01:56:53Central to the discussion was the proposed mosque’s significant size and its potential to drastically alter local traffic patterns. Residents were vocal about the implications, with one individual predicting, “Every car pulling out of that place is going to light up my house,” highlighting concerns about increased traffic and congestion. The board was cognizant of these traffic concerns, particularly given that Ernston Road’s reputation for congestion and safety hazards was raised multiple times during the meeting. The applicant’s representative had previously detailed occupancy limits, initially proposed at 454 but reduced to 321, in response to these community concerns. Despite these adjustments, the community remained skeptical about the potential traffic burden during major events, with a resident warning, “it’s going to take you 12 lights if you say yes.”

41:14Parking logistics were another issue, with the project falling short of the required spaces, leading to discussions about potential variances. The applicant defended the current parking plan, emphasizing that the peak demand of 107 spaces during Friday services would be met. However, residents remained unconvinced, citing the need for a more comprehensive solution to accommodate the mosque’s usage without exacerbating local traffic issues.

01:11:25Community members also expressed environmental concerns, particularly regarding the potential impact of construction on local infrastructure. Issues of soil permeability, existing sewer system capacity, and environmental testing were raised. Residents questioned whether the mosque’s construction would aggravate existing sewer problems and whether proper environmental safeguards were in place. The planning board clarified that these environmental issues were beyond their jurisdiction and would need to be addressed by other state and county agencies responsible for environmental protection.

43:55The proposed mosque’s location also ignited debate about the appropriateness of its size relative to the site. Residents argued that the 2.5-acre plot was insufficient for a structure of this magnitude, especially given the lack of adequate parking and safe access routes. The board member suggested revisiting zoning requirements for religious structures, advocating for larger minimum land sizes to better serve community interests. This suggestion came amidst broader concerns about the project’s alignment with municipal land use goals, particularly those aimed at preserving residential neighborhood integrity.

16:49Despite the heated exchanges, the board maintained that their role was strictly to assess the application’s compliance with borough ordinances. A Planning Board member emphasized, “this board has its say when it’s supposed to,” clarifying that the applicant was responsible for securing necessary approvals from external agencies. The board’s decision to postpone voting on the application until June 4th underscored their commitment to ensuring all conditions were thoroughly reviewed and documented, with the attorney advising against rushing to a decision without clarity on the agreed-upon conditions.

46:18The mosque’s imam, Nazim Sahib, expressed gratitude for the board’s efforts, underscoring the importance of understanding and respecting cultural and religious diversity, stating, “it is very important for us to be more open, learn about the different culture to appreciate what and how people worship.”