|
Muslim Community Development Plans
Controversy over building a proposed Islamic community in Little Rock and many residents are not pleased. The planning commission unanimously approved the project which includes a mosque, a school and more than 20 homes. This stamp of approval is just the first step in a long process that will include much opposition. Several members of the community and members of the planning commission expressed their concerns. Their biggest concern, they are fearful this planned Islamic community will exclude other religions. Little Rock resident... Tim Lawson, says, "I'm opposed to any type of segregation and I believe this is what's going to happen. It was standing room only as the planning commission listened to both sides of the issue. The Islamic Center for Human Excellence is currently located on the 1700 block of Wright Avenue. But they want to relocate to 40th street and potter. Some are concerned the homes located on the lot will be reserved only for Muslims. Lawson says, "Having a separate community based on religion or based on color or anything is wrong; but their church leader, Imam Aquil Hamidullah, says that won't happen. "We have a long road ahead of us⊠that's all that is. There is defiantly some education needed." People and commission members were also concerned about the bill of insurance. Residents will be asked to sign this and it will act as a Home Owners Association. Imam Hamidullah, says, "What we want is to have a clean community. In other words we want a community free of alcohol, drugs, and free of gangs... of bad behavior." After much heated debate and questions from members of the commission about a possible exclusion of certain religions, deputy City Attorney Cindy Dawson reminded the planning commission they are only allowed to vote based on the property and its location, not the other issues. Now that the plans have been approved by the planning commission, it will next head to the board of directors. Posted by: tipper 2004-08-30 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=41863 |