As a result, I certainly understand opposition to making exceptions for the construction of a mosque in one's residential neighborhood.
Here's a story about a proposed zoning change for an "Islamic Center of Williamson County" that might be built in Brentwood. Brentwood closer to building first Muslim mosque - WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee. Those proposing the rezoning are asking for an express exception to an ordinance passed in 2000 (Brentwood City Ordinance 2000-18) that requires a 150 ft buffer between religious buildings and roads.
Here's a link to all the details about the proposal.
I'd let the folks below know if you live in Brentwood and oppose this re-zoning--hearings are scheduled for next week.
Roger Horner, City Attorney.
Mayor Betsy Crossley, Cell phone: 440-9460
Vice-Mayor Mr. Rhea E. Little, III, Cell phone: 417-7733
Regina Smithson, Home phone: 377-0115
Joe Sweeney, Home phone: 373-1546
Anne Dunn, Hone phone: 370-3702
Joe Reagan, Home phone: 370-3730
Paul Webb, Cell Phone: 428-3913
UPDATE: It appears that the Mosque's proponents are no longer asking for a variance. Also, here's some info on the group's spokesperson. BTW, how are 40 families (doctors or not) able to fund this project? To which sect of Islam does this church belong?
Relevant Follow-up Article:
FOXNews.com - Plans to Build Massive Islamic Centers Raise Concerns in Tennessee:
But critics say the Muslims who now call Tennessee home are looking to expand their places of worship far beyond their need. What's more, they say, the organizations building the Islamic centers have provided no account for how they received the massive funding their projects require.
Of even greater concern, some critics say, are fears that a radical Islamic agenda may be behind the planning for these large Islamic centers.
5 comments:
Thanx for showing us your true colors once again.
And thanks for reading.
Ned, FYI I spoke with Vice-Mayor Little about this a few days ago, and he informed me that the group was no longer seeking an exception to the 150ft buffer. I'm not a fan of Islam either, as my reading of the Quran is that it expressly says that to be a good Muslim you need to kill Jews and Christians. However, in this instance I think that not granting the re-zoning request would be discriminatory, since the same zoning change was made just up the road for Brentwood Baptist years back. I think if we start infringing on certain groups freedom of religious assembly in favor of others, that's a slippery slope ending in a place more detrimental to Christians than any other group.
Thanks for your comment Rob. I, too, have learned that they are no longer seeking an exception (I have been a little out of pocket and would have like to have posted an update). That being said, I don't think it's accurate that anyone else has been granted a waiver since the ordinance was put into effect; thus, my post.
Ned,
Though it is rare, I kind of sympathize with your position. The last thing we need is more religious institutions cluttering the otherwise useful space in our cities.
Sincerely,
JMyste
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