NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- After months of discussions, the Naperville City Council has voted unanimously to allow the construction of a new mosque and other facilities planned by the Islamic Center of Naperville.
The Islamic Center of Naperville plans to build a mosque, a school, a gymnasium, and a multi-purpose center over the next 40 years, starting with the mosque; which will be constructed on 248th Avenue near the Tall Grass Greenway.
Mark Winters, pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ, addressed the complaint by some that there would be too much traffic congestion caused by the size of Islamic Center project. He said he runs into traffic jams around churches and their schools all the time.
"We as a community, however, have accepted these inconveniences, because we appreciate the value of these churches in our city. ICN’s project would also provide value to our city," he said.
College student Fatima Ala also spoke at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting about how the Islamic Center has given her and other young people a chance to give back to the community.
"What makes Naperville unique is its openness to diversity, but the construction of a mosque has pitted neighbor against neighbor. This is a result that no one should want. We are one Naperville," she said.
The Islamic Center of Naperville’s plan will be in five phases and involve 121,000 square feet of construction.
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