Carmel mosque decision is delayed after public packs zoning meeting

CARMEL, Ind. — The city zoning board that's considering a proposed mosque delayed its decision after more people attended the panel's meeting than the Monon Community Center's largest room could hold.

As the meeting began at 6 p.m. Monday, 300 people packed the hall. Another 100 waited outside, board members said. Legally, the board said, everyone who wants to participate must be given a chance.

The board decided to take public testimony Monday and meet again Feb. 26 to take more comments and hold a vote. It was by far the largest crowd that had attended a Carmel zoning meeting in recent history.

The crowd overwhelmingly opposed the location of the mosque at 141st Street and Shelborne Road, largely over concerns about their property values. Of the 41 people who spoke during an hour of testimony, 40 were against it. Opponents clapped so loudly for those in opposition that board members threatened to have people removed after repeated warnings to stop.

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There were more supporters of the mosque in attendance, but they opted not to speak.

The Al Salam Foundation, whose members are drawn mostly from Carmel, Westfield and Zionsville, wants to build the 28,000-square-foot Islamic Life Center on land zoned for homes.

The zoning board has approved similar projects. The city's planning department, after reviewing the zoning ordinance, is recommending that the zoning board approve the project so long as the Al Salam Foundation provides comprehensive plans for lighting, parking, landscaping and traffic.

Ashhar Madni, a member of Al Salam's board of directors, said he was hopeful the zoning board would approve the mosque after considering the facts of the case.

He said the congregation expected community backlash after meeting with neighbors. He takes the concerns of those who spoke at face value, saying he doesn't believe it's a backlash against his religion.

"We are optimistic of a successful outcome next time," he said.

The city's zoning ordinance supports houses of worship in similar circumstances because religious uses are viewed as compatible with neighborhoods. In practice, city officials say churches routinely are allowed to locate in residential areas, including the Coptic Orthodox Church two miles to the south.

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Mayor Jim Brainard and community faith leaders view the proposal of a mosque as a milestone in the city's cultural diversity, another sign that Carmel is a welcoming and inclusive place. During the past decade, Carmel has added a Jewish synagogue, a Greek Orthodox Church and a Mormon temple.

City Councilman Ron Carter, however, said he thinks the council would have voted unanimously against this location, given the chance. He said the congregation scaled back its plans due to the size of the land, making it a detriment to the group's long-term needs. The close location to homes, he said, makes it a detriment to its neighbors.

"By being shortsighted, they will have gained no goodwill in the surrounding neighborhoods nor the community as a whole with this ill-conceived placement," he said.

Many folks who live near the site shared Carter's view. Houses in the area can sell for more than $700,000, and homeowners packed the meeting to voice concerns about the project hurting their property values through increased traffic, lights and noise. They also feared the mosque might one day open a food pantry or a drug-treatment center.

David Bidgood lives on the 40 acres north of the project. A retired resort developer, he said he understands growth, but the site is best suited for houses.

"I don't care whether it's a convenience store, a gas station, whatever it is," he said. "This isn't what we want. This is why we have planning and zoning. We have many commercial places out there to build this type facility, not next door to my house or the other people's homes here. We've spent a lot of money. My property value is in great jeopardy."

Doug Lippert, who lives a block to the south, was the lone voice in support.

"I want to thank your predecessors for converting my cornfield into a place where I can live"' he said. "This is just the natural progression of things in Hamilton County."

While the sheer number of people protesting the mosque in Carmel is unique, it's common for homeowners to protest development, even of churches, in Hamilton County. Last year, a Christian congregation met fierce opposition when it proposed to build iTown Church in a residential area of Fishers at 126th Street and Brooks School Road. The congregation ultimately withdrew that proposal and found a somewhat less developed location a mile to the north.

The Al Salam Foundation is proposing a worship center for 350 people for everything from Friday prayers to fast-breaking banquets during Ramadan to family activities.

The mosque would be built on 5 acres at the southern portion of a 15-acre property. Nearly two-thirds of the entire property would be dedicated to green space.

Initial plans for the building include a minaret and a dome topped by a crescent moon and a parking lot for 102 cars.

Bike paths would be built along 141st and Shelborne. Carmel eventually plans a roundabout at the intersection.

The congregation has been meeting near the Pyramids office park south of 96th Street in Indianapolis. On Fridays, 150 people often sit for prayers. Leaders have said more people would come, but there isn't room.

The nearest mosques are in Fishers, Plainfield and on Indianapolis' northwest side.

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IndyStar reporters Robert King and Emma Kate Fittes contributed to this story. Call IndyStar reporter Chris Sikich at (317) 444-6036. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisSikich and at facebook.com/chris.sikich.