After a lot of controversy, the groundbreaking on Park51 is set to take place later this year.
The Islamic Community center, sometimes called the “Ground Zero mosque,” though it’s not technically a mosque, has overcome opposition from groups unhappy with it’s two-block proximity to Ground Zero.
The controversy came despite the fact that Muslim Americans were also killed on 9/11 and many families of 9/11 victims support Park51. Not to mention Park51 isn’t even visible from Ground Zero.
While many of those opposing the project claim it is the location of Park51 that the objection, it is not an isolated incident. The reality is around the country Islamic organizations face an uphill struggle when constructing religious buildings.
In Naperville, IL the Irshad Learning Center applied for a zoning permit to turn an old building, which they own, into a mosque and Islamic school. The permit was denied without explanation and Council on Islamic-American Relations-Chicago filed a complaint.
The Irshad Learning Center faced opposition from groups like Act! for America that protested outside the meeting where the board ruled against a permit for the ILC.
As a result of the use of zoning laws to curb the construction of religious institutions, CAIR-Chicago and other groups, joined together to host a zoning summit.
“It was what I call an A-Z look at everything surrounding zoning laws, the historical importance of property rights and establishing freedom of religion and houses of worship,” said Faiyaz Hussain, a volunteer for the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, one of the host organizations.
The summit, held April 23, was geared toward informing members of the Muslim community about their rights and how to legally obtain zoning permits. The idea is to avoid having to take legal action like in the ILC case.
“The purpose of the summit was to tell Muslims, ‘Look lets not assume the worst,’” Hussain said. “Let’s work within the zoning laws and address real issues and legal action is a last resort.”
Hussain said he believes that it’s ignorance and not necessarily bigotry that is causing people to object to the construction of mosques and Islamic centers.
“When you see a mosque go up in your neighborhood, and you don’t know what it’s about, you feel more alarmed,” Hussain said.
At the summit, in addition to zoning laws, speakers discussed ways to inform members of the community where the building will be, about the Islamic faith.
“Start having open houses,” Hussain said, “and before you go into a location start doing discussions with neighbors and say we’re looking to build.”
And while the advice given at the summit may prevent future zoning issues, the fight for the Irshad Learning Center continues. At the end of March District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer denied DuPage County’s request to dismiss the suit brought on behalf of the learning center.
“The ILC met all of the requirements pursuant to the County’s zoning ordinance. Judge Pallmeyer’s decision acknowledges that the ILC presents legitimate arguments that its rights were violated,” said Kevin Vodak, CAIR-Chicago Staff Attorney, on the CAIR site.
Hussain said the Irshad Learning Center is hopefully not an indication of the fight all Islamic centers will have. And, events like the summit will hopefully equip those looking to build mosques with the tools needed to avoid a legal battle.
“Anything we can do to make the process streamline and create good will in the community,” Hussain said, “is what we’re looking to do.”
