WISH-TV
A public meeting held Monday about a proposed mosque in Carmel ended in a Board of Zoning Appeals approval after more than five hours of public comment.
The board approved the proposal 3-2; one board member remarked the proposal was consistent with other places and worship and required no special variances.
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So many people were expected to attend the 6 p.m. meeting that it was held at the Palladium. More than 200 attended.
The Al-Salam Foundation’s proposal was to build an Islamic Life Center near 141st Street and Shelborne Road.
People who wanted to make public comment were given one minute each to speak about the proposal. While many were in favor of the mosque, some said they were concerned about added traffic and property value changes to the area.
More than 300 people attended the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting about the proposed mosque last month.
Last month’s meeting was held at the Monon Community Center and could not accommodate everyone who wanted to attend. Those that could not speak at last month’s meeting were given a chance to speak on Monday night — roughly 200 people.
Some that live in the area expressed concern about increased noise and traffic.