Public opinion during the meeting was sharply divided. Several residents voiced their opposition, focusing on the potential increase in traffic, noise, and impact on property values. One resident articulated a distinction between opposition to the mosque itself and its proposed location. Concerns were also raised about the building’s size and its compatibility with the neighborhood’s character. Conversely, supporters emphasized the need for a larger facility to serve the community’s needs, with some underlining the mosque’s anticipated contributions in terms of educational and social services.

Board members discussed the project at length, considering the concerns raised about traffic impact and the size of the building. The compatibility of the mosque with the surrounding neighborhood and whether the use variance met the criteria of the municipal land use law were key points of debate. The majority of the board members voted in favor of the project.

The board’s deliberations were careful, taking into account public comments, expert testimonies, and discussions on the project’s specifics, including traffic control measures and parking arrangements. A traffic engineer presented data showing vehicle count near the proposed site. The discussions also included the possibility of using spill-over parking from neighboring businesses and ensuring the safety of residents crossing the street to the facility. Assurance was given that traffic control measures would be sufficient and that there would be future cooperation with neighboring businesses for parking.

Residents living nearby raised specific issues about traffic, with one citing difficulties turning onto Planfield Avenue and potential congestion. Others mentioned noise disturbances and parking issues from a previous mosque, while supporters spoke of the positive community impact, especially for youth and families. A representative of a not-for-profit organization emphasized the constitutional rights of the Muslim community to have a place of worship.

Apart from the mosque application, the board addressed a case involving 460 Plainfield Avenue, LLC, which sought variances for a restaurant and catering hall in the LI Zone. The applicant’s civil engineer and traffic engineer testified on the site and proposed improvements, including parking plans and the adequacy of parking for the new facility. The board questioned aspects of the parking plan and its impact on circulation, with the traffic engineer confirming the adequacy of parking for the project. This application was also approved, with conditions related to engineering and planning reports, occupant limitations, and a valet parking agreement.

Additionally, a variance request for a building to house a rock climbing facility and badminton courts was discussed. The building’s design, which required a variance for increased height to accommodate the activities, was presented along with elevation drawings. The board examined the potential impact on traffic and surrounding properties, and the traffic engineer provided projections that the development would not affect operating conditions at adjacent intersections.

The board also evaluated the testimony of a professional planner, who argued that the project would activate underutilized commercial land and align with the business district requirements. The planner contended that the project would promote zoning purposes, including creating a healthy community and efficient land use, without significant detriment to the public or the zoning ordinance.