opinion

The Enclave in Lakewood: Readers react to the Orthodox influx

Here is a sample of comments from our readers on app.com's story Lakewood seniors 'get out of Dodge' as Orthodox Jewish home buyers move in. One of every four homes in The Enclave in Lakewood has been sold in just the past three years. And nearly all the buyers, residents say, have been members of the Orthodox Jewish community. The comments were culled from our online story chat and Facebook pages.

Just read this article in the Press. This is very disturbing. It's not bad enough that the Orthodox have destroyed Lakewood, now they want to take over all the border towns and destroy them. I think this man is correct. It is time to get out of Dodge!!! Good luck sir. You made a wise decision to leave while you can. I am also very sad to see that all the towns are caving in to these people. By the way, the Orthodox person who wants to make a few "tweaks" to the rules is a lot of B.S. They plan on taking over, and most likely will.

Donna Hubbard

You can pick your nose and pick your clothes but you can’t pick your neighbors. Sounds like they are getting a good price. I doubt anyone would turn down a generous offer especially at retirement age in NJ. Did they call in the APP to cover their move so they looked like victims? This is the American way. No one put a gun to their heads. If they are victims, it is of their own fears and biases.

Joanne Phillips

Culture Clash.

D.P. Leonard

The thing is, if you don't cave in and/or say no your considered "Antisemetic", then they sue the towns. I live in Jackson on the west side, so it's not too bad here but going anywhere else in town...its getting nuts. They are just knocking on doors with bags of cash hoping you say yes. I could right a book literally of everything going on.

Michelle Daigle-Rossi

I can get this when there are folks who have lived in Lakewood for over 50 years...many of whom are actually secular and even "Modern Orthodox" Jews who have seen this demographic shift, where the ultra Orthodox in many ways (both socially and legally) are pushing their ways of life on others and in many cases pressuring non-ultra Orthodox to leave the community. However, 12 years ago Lakewood wasn't that different and this guy was either incredibly gullible or just wanted to pick a very uphill fight.

David Cohen

Where did all the money go that Lakewood got?? The schools are in trouble so the money did not go to the school system who took it?? Start investigating.

Sandra Lee

Please, Please Lakewood Jewish home buyers, please come down here to Holiday City Berkeley and buy some of us Seniors out.

Kenneth Anderson

The gentleman said that they don't want to take over but yet when they don't get there way, they start suing everybody like little babies. Smh.

David Cintron

I’m not entirely sure why these residents are upset. These orthodox buyers have every right to live in this age-restricted community. Most orthodox have their children young, so the buyers will be empty nesters. The swimming issue aside, what’s the real problem here? I do agree that the realtors coming into the community is a problem.

Stephanie Mauceri Singer

More: Lakewood gets $122M in federal aid; is it fair?

More: Prominent senior community leader moves out of Lakewood

I am sad for anyone that is forced to leave their home and community because they find that their interests and way of life are not protected. This really is un American! The problem with the Lakewood religious community is that they don't want to coexist nor do they want to be fully self supported by those within their religion; think Vatican City and everyone that lives/works there supported by the Catholic community, not taxpayers.

Jeanette Marie

Attend all public meetings and make sure politicians hear from you, loud and clear and then don't fail to VOTE. Lakewood is a traffic nightmare and their public schools are suffering and you to have ask how did politicians sit back and allow that to happen?

Patricia Murphy

Well they will continue to buy everything up till someone alot of someone's steps up and stands up an actually does something about the corruption and does fold when they start screaming anti-Semiti.

Jeff Parker

This town is getting out of control. It needs to stop. Our Governor needs to step up and do something. Who are these people??

Sandra Lee

If they wish to move into age restricted community, why not build a new one strictly for their needs and leave the other adult communities alone! That would solve the problem. If they have to money to move from Brooklyn and spend $540k on a house, then they have the money to build their own community! Stay out of ours!

Mary Beth Walsh

This is all sickening to me. I watch Vermont Ave in Toms River and I think of how many people who thought they bought their dream home are now being forced to sell their home. No one is fooled here. If the Jewish community is moving into your area, it's over.

Bennie Letterman

Ocean County has been sold out by the politicians. We all will be moving soon enough...

Jeanette Maarleveld

It is sad to see corruption, dishonesty and the love of money rule our society. God is not please at all with this conduct. I believe all this will not turn out well in the end.

Tracy Mincey