Sunday, December 10, 2006

U.S.A.-NEW JERSEY: ANOTHER MOSQUE, ANOTHER CONTROVERSY

Proposed mosque stirs heated debate

The Albanian Associated Fund, which represents nearly 200 families, has outgrown its Paterson mosque and is seeking permission to build a combination mosque, recreation and school building in Wayne, where a number of members already live.

About five years ago, the group bought 11 acres in the township for about $350,000 in an attempt to expand its facilities in safer surroundings.

The complex would sit atop a hill where Colfax Road and Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike meet. Neighbors have opposed the project, saying it will bring heavy traffic and contribute to existing flooding problems in the area.

In a July discrimination lawsuit filed at the federal level, Albanian group members claimed that township officials stalled approving the 4,715-square-foot mosque and 7,957-square-foot school for nearly four years at the planning board level, imposing unusually stringent requirements and several delays.

The suit is set for a hearing on Feb. 13.

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Pertinent Links:

1) Proposed mosque stirs heated debate

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