Kiryas Square

Kiryas Square is a planned 400-acre (1.6 km²) Skver hasidic "shtetl" in the hamlet of Spring Glen, New York, prompted by a housing shortage in the village of New Square. The property, the former Homowack Resort, was purchased by the Skver community in 2006. Dedication of the site was in August 2007. The New York State Department of Health cited the property which was used as a summer camp for girls for “numerous, persistent and serious violations,” including inoperable fire alarms, pervasive mold and water running over electrical boxes. The health department issued a mandatory order of evacuation. In addition to problems with the health department, some local residents have also voiced opposition to the building of a hasidic village. The site was evacuated in August 2009 as a result of a judge’s deadline.