WOODSTOCK — A conditional use permit for an Islamic community center in Crystal Lake was pushed back so petitioners can work out minor details with neighbors.
The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals held a two-hour hearing Wednesday regarding the Islamic Center of McHenry County’s request to occupy a home on 5 acres at 5008 E. Crystal Lake Ave., just outside of city boundaries.
The board continued the hearing to March 23.
The group of about 60 parishioners want to use the existing home for worship and other functions, center Board President Tanveer Ahmad said.
The group presently rents space at the Crystal Lake Park District, and the nearest Islamic worship centers are in Elgin and Rolling Meadows.
“We have been renting it for 12 years, and I think it’s time for us to have our own place,” Ahmad said.
Neighbors retained attorney Joe Gottemoller to represent their concerns. They do not oppose the idea, but want to make sure that parking, lighting and other issues do not adversely affect their properties.
“We have no basic objection,” Gottemoller told the zoning board. “Our concern is to mitigate the concerns of the adjacent properties.”
Several neighbors want to ensure that landscaping and vegetation provides an adequate buffer. A few expressed concerns about lighting on the sign that the group will erect, and some had differing opinions on the location of the parking lot.
Neighbor Jim Batastini said that he and his fellow residents wanted to discuss reasonable changes, and did not intend to overburden the group, which is self-funded.
Peak usage of the facility will be during Friday prayers and Sunday religious and community outreach, Ahmad said.
By KEVIN P. CRAVER, [email protected]
Read the original article from the Northwest Herald.
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