The Township Council is expected to hear a challenge regarding a variance granted to the Hatikvah International Academy Charter School, tonight at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Court, according to Township Administrator James white.

In July, the Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance that will allow Hatikvah to renovate the warehouse into a school. The building, 7 Lexington Ave., is located in a planned industrial zone and a variance is needed to open a school in the zone. The warehouse is surrounded by similar warehouses, including Vending Trucks Inc.

On Aug. 20, residents Deborah Cornavaca and Christine Rampolla filed an appeal of the variance, stating, among other reasons, that the variance should not have been granted because “there was a conflict of interest,” and that “the board did not permit a complete record to be made.”

The appeal also states that “the applicant failed to show that the relief can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good,” and “the applicant failed to show that the relief sought will not substantially impair the intent and purpose of the zone plan and zoning ordinance.”

Dan Gerstein, a spokesman for the school, has said the appeal is baseless.

According to White, the appeal must be heard by the Township Council.

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