Plymouth Township Planning Commission Unanimously Backs Mosque

Plans to build a mosque in Plymouth Township cleared the first hurdle Wednesday when the township’s planning commission voted unanimously for a land-use variance that will allow construction to begin there.

Before that can happen, a specific site plan must be submitted for mosque proposed on vacant land south of 5 Mile Road and east of Pilot Drive, between Beck and Sheldon Roads, according to reports by WXYZ, WDIV and WWJ.

The land had an industrial zoning classification, which the planning commission agreed to change to mixed use to accommodate the Muslim house of worship.

Most of the public discussion by the overflow crowd at Plymouth Township Hall was in favor of the mosque, but some township residents circulating a petition to stop the mosque

said it would create traffic snarls and noise associated with five daily prayer services, the largest of which would be a Friday afternoon congregational prayers.

Cultural concerns were also cited by at least one resident, who said “it’s more than just the land; it’s quite frightening.” In response, another speaker said the best way to quell fear about the unknown is to attend a prayer meeting to learn more about Muslims and the practice of Islam.

Some of the most vocal support came from the Rev. The Rev. Lisa Tucker-Gray of St. John’s Episcopal Church, which has had a presence in Plymouth Township for 100 years. “We are a community that would value and celebrate the diversity of welcoming a mosque as another house of prayer,” she said.

_____

Screenshot: WDIV video