Proposed Naperville Mosque Draws Resistance, Support

NAPERVILLE, IL — A proposal for a new mosque complex in Naperville has once again brought a large influx of comments both in favor and in opposition to the project. During a Feb. 17 zoning and planning commission meeting, hundreds of residents were unable to share their input about Islamic Center of Naperville's plans due to a lack of time, Chicago Tribune reports.

Resistance to the development has come from residents who live near the mosque complex's proposed site at 3540 248th Ave. Neighbors raised concerns about resulting traffic and the scope of the project, which would occupy 13.6 acres of land. The proposed development would include a two-story, 26,219 square foot mosque, a 41,749 square foot school, a 22,814 square foot multi-purpose hall and a 26,852 square foot gymnasium, all to be built over a 40-year period.

According to Chicago Tribune, city officials received more than 2,300 comments opposing the mosque project and close to 9,000 comments supporting the project.

In one written comment, a south Naperville resident said, "I oppose the proposed 248th Avenue development because of the significant increase in traffic that will be generated by a project of this size and the corresponding negative impact that the increased congestion will have on the south Naperville community as a whole."

The Feb. 17 meeting also included more than two dozen residents and local interfaith leaders who expressed support of the mosque development, Islamic Center of Naperville reports.

Related: Mosque Plans Meet Some Resistance In Naperville: Report

One written comment in favor of the mosque complex read, "I support the ICN 248th Project because such a building is necessary to support the needs of the large Muslim community of Naperville. I am sure that the Muslim community will continue their tradition of being completely respectful and supportive to the surrounding areas and will take the necessary steps to ensure that the neighboring communities are not negatively impacted in any way."

Islamic Center of Naperville currently has mosques at 2844 W. Ogden Ave., 25W530 75th St. and 450 Olesen Dr.

Naperville's planning and zoning committee will reconvene March 3 to continue the public hearing.

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