USA: Open discussion essential for mosque plan | Editorial

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, recognizing that the change in use and a suspiciousness in some quarters about Islam, took the initiative to reach out to its future neighbors, and the city needs to step up and ensure that the positive start results in ongoing dialog about the plan as it moves toward a common council vote.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Northwestern | October 22, 2010
Editorial: Open discussion essential for mosque plan


Land use changes in residential neighborhoods are often fraught with controversy.

Increased traffic, aesthetics, noise and a loss of a use that neighbors were comfortable with are just some of the flash points that can ignite the ire of a neighborhood.

That's why it was encouraging to see the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community invite their neighbors to an open house and informational meeting last week to discuss their plans to convert the former Seefeld funeral home at 300 N. Eagle St. into a mosque.


The funeral home, when it was in operation, was a quiet neighbor that was only used a handful of times a month, according to the owner. A switch to a mosque that hosts prayers several times a week, including some meetings in the middle of the night, while also serving as a community center with outdoor events is a significant change in use.

To their credit, the majority of those who attended last week's open house recognized that the proposal to establish a mosque on the site is above all a land use issue, and not a religious or cultural one. It was refreshing to see the overall civility of the participants in the meeting and the willingness they displayed to work together.

That's something that has happened all too infrequently in Oshkosh.

Residents in virtually every part of the city have felt sandbagged by the unexpected emergence of ready-to-go plans for major changes in land use in their neighborhoods, plans that were developed and began moving through city approval without consultation with the surrounding property owners.

From the establishment of a drug and alcohol recovery center in a church on Evans Street to storm-water control plans on the west side, the on again, off again redevelopment of the former Mercy Medical Center campus and plans for commercial and higher-density residential development in other neighborhoods, City Hall has a history of fomenting conflict by not bringing neighbors into the planning process as early as possible.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, recognizing that the change in use and a suspiciousness in some quarters about Islam, took the initiative to reach out to its future neighbors, and the city needs to step up and ensure that the positive start results in ongoing dialog about the plan as it moves toward a common council vote.

Neighbors still have concerns and future conversations based on the kind of openness that was on display at the first meeting will ensure that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and its neighbors are both satisfied with the end result.

The final thought: Muslim community shows sensitivity by inviting neighbors to have candid discussion about proposed mosque.





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