Source/Credit: The Northwestern
By Jeff Bollier | November 10, 2010
Councilors voted 7-0 to grant the conditional use permit to the group to establish a mosque at 300 N. Eagle St. over adjacent property owners’ concerns that traffic, noise, 3:30 a.m. daily prayer services and that frequency of use will disrupt quality of life in the neighborhood.
But the issue was a tense one in the community.
Councilors said neighbors who contacted them with legitimate concerns about the use of the property related to the conditional use permit reported receiving hate mail.
"These people are concerned. They’re concerned their property values will go down. They’re concerned their views will be disrupted," attorney Brian Hamill, who represents some adjacent property owners, said. "It’s not about the religion. It’s about the use of this building and this spot. We’d like them to have a mosque in town, but this is not the right spot."
Ahmadi Muslims who addressed the council expressed frustration with some issues raised like slamming car doors or that the mosque would be used constantly for 16 to 18 hours per day.
"When Dr. King said ‘I have a dream…,’ maybe he should have put a footnote that it was as long as it doesn’t affect property values," Saad Ahmad said, frustrated with neighbors he felt sought reasons to oppose the proposed mosque.
Khurram Ahmad, a leader of the Oshkosh chapter of the Muslim sect, chose to look at the concerns differently. He said the group had already sought quotes on installing a fence and that members intended to use select parking spots that would not shine headlights into neighbors’ homes during early morning prayer services. He added that the location, price, size and opportunity the site offers makes it the right location for the group of 45 Ahmadi Muslims that have moved to the Oshkosh area over the last 20 years.
"If I start naming all the positives, there are too many to count from our community’s perspective," Ahmad said.
Oshkosh citizens also asked the council to approve the use to increase the community’s diversity and opportunities to learn about other cultures.
"I would like to have more diversity in our community. I came to Oshkosh to be a teacher here. It’s a great place to learn and expand horizons," University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student Mee Yang said. "I’d like to see more diversity in our community so I can go there, experience it and become a better teacher. We want to be open-minded for our students."
Added east side resident Dan Rylance: "I’m excited about the cultural center and what it could give to all of us. We’re already talking about a discussion group. I just think it offers a lot."
Mayor Paul Esslinger and the entire council thanked everyone involved for discussing the issues and not letting the debate degenerate into bitter fighting like requests to build mosques have in other communities large and small.
"I think the city of Oshkosh can show other communities that will be dealing with this issue in the future can address concerns like adults," Esslinger said.
Councilor Jessica King said the same concerns neighbors brought up-traffic, times of use, noise, lighting and fencing-are the same ones brought up in regard to other conditional use permit requests. But King added that she believes neighbors and Ahmadi Muslims will work together to address concerns and build a community in the area.
"I hope that when this resolves itself … that we build the spirit of the neighborhood together," King said.
Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@thenorthwestern.com.
Read original post here: Council unanimously approves permit for mosque
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