9 10 101 https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/661ad9b7d058bf44b3b5f92093f3f545.png fff4f5bd1044e1ea7fa0bd7d9bb0b502 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource New Jersey Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Nj_03 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 63 Southside Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tasneem Ahmed, Zylah Markham, Sam Pavur, and Zainab Salako Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Title A name given to the resource Somerville, NJ REL383_SP22 https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/93726b18b5903fbbfcc93738358abe4d.png 80e88ef886d930751c8004889edf9ed7 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Dick. J and BJ. L (2010). Zoning for Islamic Center in DuPage County Debated. [online image]. Retrieved from Oct. 10th. 2019 from: <a href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/west-chicago-islam-residential-zoning-98293589.html">https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/west-chicago-islam-residential-zoning-98293589.html</a>. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Illinois Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Il_13 Location The location of the interview DuPage County, IL (West Chicago) Date August 2011-June 2013 Summary Enter a brief description of the case (no more than 600 characters). This should be one or two sentences. The Islamic Center of Western Suburbs bought a single-family home in West Chicago in 2008 and transformed it to a prayer space without seeking the government’s legal permits. People complained about the traffic and flooding issues. After the Islamic Center proposed an application for conditional use, it was rejected by DuPage county with a vote of 15 versus 3. The Islamic Center of Western Suburbs filed a lawsuit arguing the decision violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) as well as First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments rights. In June, 2013, DuPage County’s zoning board voted to pass the proposal on a 10-7 vote. Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 28W774 Army Trail Road near West Chicago in DuPpage County, IL 60185 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. WRV8+M9, Wes Chicago, Illinois Proposed Project The Islamic Center applied for a conditional use permit to convert a 212-square-feet residential property into a prayer space. Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://www.icwsmasjid.org/">Islamic Center of Western Suburbs</a> Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Local Ordinance/Legislation; Lawsuit Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications The project moved forward several years later. The county board passed the proposal finally in June 2013, agreeing that the house could be used for religious purposes. The conditional-use permit was limited to a 5-year term and included a list of conditions. Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. Key Events In 2008, the Islamic Center of Western Suburban bought a house at 28W774 Army Trail Road and used it as a religious institution and food pantry. They made landscape changes in creating parking lots for their worshippers and held prays without applying for legal permits from the county. In 2010, the county board ruled them violating the zoning ordinances for their unpermitted uses of the legal property. The Islamic Center agreed to pay $7,000 in fine. The district’s zoning rules stated that houses for certain non-residential uses should be approved by the county. On August 11th, 2011, the Islamic center submitted a conditional use application. On December 15th, 2011 and January 30th, 2012, public hearings were held, when the local residents raised concerns of flooding and traffic. In March, 2012, the county’s Zoning Panel reviewed the application and suggested to deny the proposal by a 6-1 vote. In April, 2012, the county development committee amended its application by a vote of 3-2. It added the conditions that the Islamic Center had proposed to county development committee and zoning board of appeals into the application. Ultimately, on May 8th, 2012, the county board reviewed the application and denied the approval on a 15-3 vote. Following the denial, the Islamic Center filed a lawsuit against the County of DuPage County in August 2012 for violating the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) as well as First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendment rights. The District Court ruled and directed the DuPage County to reconvene the hearings about application and initiate a new vote. On June 26th, 2013, the DuPage Board reviewed the application again and agreed to the request with a 10-7 vote. (Robert, 2013 June. 26th) Along with the approval, a list of conditions, including the one to limit total numbers of visitors to 166 a day and another one to limit the property to less than 30 worshippers in each of its daily prayer, were imposed on the Islamic Center. Background on the local and Muslim communities According to the Chicago Tribune, there were more than 400,000 Muslims in Illinois in 2010 compared to 50,000 Muslims in 1970s. Muslim leaders in Illinois were mostly well-educated and were able to exert influence. For DuPage county, it was not its first time being sued for not granting a conditional-use permit to a Muslim community. The Irshad Learning Center sued DuPage county in 2010 over a planned Islamic education facility near Naperville (see Case No. IL_01). The federal judge overturned the county’s decision and ordered the county board to issue the required permits and to pay the Irshad Learning Center $445,000 (Robert, 2013, June 26th). Details about the proposed project The Islamic center applied for a conditional-use permit to convert a house into a prayer space, allowing Muslims in the community to come and pray five times daily. It proposed to let not more than 30 people be in the 212-square-feet house at a time and to make certain landscapes changes such as parking lots to accommodate those attending prayers (Robert, 2011, Dec. 17th). Details about the conflict as it unfolded The county of DuPage rejected the proposal for several reasons: First, residents were afraid of potential flooding if the house was being used as a prayer place because of the limitations of the original septic system that had been designed for single-family use. In addition, the proposed landscape changes would alter the food plain where residents’ basements had flooded previously. (Mary, 2013. May. 31st). Second, county officials and residents voiced concerns about the impact of the proposed 20-space parking lot on traffic. Neighbors complained that it blocked their drive ways when people attended daily prayers. County officials were also concerned that worshippers would park on the neighboring Pine Court. Third, officials and residents believed that it was an improper use for a house that had been built for residential uses instead of religious purposes. Outcome and Current Status In March 2013, the court directed the county to reconvene hearings about the application according to 2011 zoning standards (Versaci 2013). In June 2013, the DuPage County Board approved the application by a vote of 10 to7 with some added conditions: The conditional-use permit would expire after 5 years. Other conditions included a maximum number of 166 visitors per day, fewer than 30 attendees at any one of the daily prayers, and not holding congregational Friday services or festivities during Ramadan at the site. References Enter list of sources cited using the proper format. National: Susan Hogan. (February 1, 2010). Illinois’s Muslims: The population of Islam Followers Here has Grown Substantially. N.P.R. Retrieved from: <a href="https://www.nprillinois.org/post/illinois-muslims-population-islam-followers-here-has-grown-substantially#stream/0">https://www.nprillinois.org/post/illinois-muslims-population-islam-followers-here-has-grown-substantially#stream/0</a> Regional <ul><li>Robert Sanchez. (June 26, 2013). DuPage board OKs Islamic prayer center. Chicago Daily Herald. Retrieved from <a href="https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:58RX-DFW1-JBRC-V0K9-00000-00&context=1516831">https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:58RX-DFW1-JBRC-V0K9-00000-00&context=1516831</a>.</li> <li>Versaci, M. B. (2013, May 31). Proposed West Chicago Islamic Center causes resident worries, legal dispute. West Chicago Press, The (IL). Available from News Bank: Access World News – Historical and Current: <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/146A7A5CD7C70940">https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/146A7A5CD7C70940</a>.</li> <li>Robert Sanchez. (May 11, 2011). Islamic center resubmits permit. Chicago Daily Herald. Retrieved from <a href="https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:52VF-22X1-JBRC-V0G7-00000-00&context=1516831">https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:52VF-22X1-JBRC-V0G7-00000-00&context=1516831</a>.</li> <li>Robert Sanchez. (December 17, 2011). Plan for mosque near West Chicago starts over. Chicago Daily Herald. Retrieved from <a href="https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:54HJ-S4W1-DY6F-J2B8-00000-00&context=1516831">https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:54HJ-S4W1-DY6F-J2B8-00000-00&context=1516831</a>.</li> </ul>Court filings: Islamic Ctr. of W. Suburbs v. County of Dupage, 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 179042, 2012 WL 6605011 (United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division December 18, 2012, Filed). Retrieved from <a href="https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=cases&id=urn:contentItem:579F-H0W1-F04D-71KR-00000-00&context=1516831">https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=cases&id=urn:contentItem:579F-H0W1-F04D-71KR-00000-00&context=1516831</a>. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DuPage County, IL Description An account of the resource A documented account of Case No. IL_13, occurring in DuPage County, IL, from August 2011 to June 2013 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tina Zhan https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/5f4fbcb134cda5a7d015c729e76d3f69.png bcda5d414de99f6ffa2a865a2196dd7a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Fabbre, A. (2017). From left, Islamic Foundation of the Southwest Suburbs President Tamveer Iqbal and foundation members Zaki Basalath, Mahmood Akhter and Syed Pasha in front of the Plainfield former church building [Online image]. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-plainfield-mosque-vote-met-20170919-story.html">https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-plainfield-mosque-vote-met-20170919-story.html.</a> https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/06880f6cf821d46f92a28c4ed385a7dc.png fd523c66fca0ea15f8e0b45f53f2b656 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Illinois Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Il_18 Location The location of the interview Plainfield, IL Date August 7-September 18, 2017 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 23616 W. Main St, Plainfield, Illinois 60544 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. JR94+8H Coordinates Enter the coordinates for the location, if they are available. 41.6183° N, 88.1935° W Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://ifsws.org/">The Islamic Foundation of the Southwest Suburbs</a> Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Public Campaign/Protest; Local Ordinance Last Updated Date revised. November 4, 2019 Summary Enter a brief description of the case (no more than 600 characters). This should be one or two sentences. On Monday, August 8th of year 2017, the Islamic Foundation of the Southwest Suburb in Plainfield, Illinois applied for a special use permit to open a Muslim community center on Main Street. However, The Plainfield Village Board rejected the request due to objections and concerns from Plainfield residents over traffic and parking spaces in nearby residential areas. A group of residents had drafted a petition asking the village board to deny the application. Even though the petition garnered only 69 signatures, the village board still rejected the Muslim community’s proposal. A revised proposal addressing some of the neighbors’ concerns was rejected as well. After claims of racial and religious discrimination and a strong public support for the mosque project, the Plainfield Village Board approved the project at its meeting on September 18th, 2017. Proposed Project In addition to a 38-space asphalt parking lot next to the building, the Muslim community center provides spaces for worship, storage, and other facilities useful to the people using the community center. Along with small playground equipment nearby, the community center is approximately 2.2 ± acres with 2800± square feet of built space over two levels. Nearby residential areas and properties are at least 90 to 100 feet away from the community center and 40 to 50 feet away from the parking lot (Bogda, 2017). Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications Denied; then approved. After many complaints of discrimination, the Plainfield Village Board passed Basalath and his group’s proposal on September 18th, 2017. This allowed the Muslim community to operate the mosque and community center on its property in a residential-zoned district at 23616 W. Main. St Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. Basalath and Board Members Create Proposal Leaders of successful Muslim community center in Bolingbrook including Zaki Basalath-the secretary- and his group (the Islamic Foundation of the Southwest Suburbs, a non-profit organization) wanted to open a Muslim facility in Plainfield. Basalath and his group has held numerous prayer services in a storefront in Route 59 for ten years in the Plainfield area and earlier in the year of 2017, the group bought the former church site/Montessori school for $580,000 and requested the Plainfield Village Board for permission to open a Muslim community center. However, there were various concerns and objections from the public in terms of allowing the religious center to operate in a residential area. The Local Community and Public Protest The Muslim group had great dilemma and objection for their proposal from the Plainfield residents surrounding the desired location of the Mosque (Muslim community) due to traffic and parking concerns even though the location used to be a church and Montessori school in the past. A group of residents had drafted a petition asking the village board to deny the application. Even though the petition garnered only 69 signatures, the village board still rejected the Muslim community’s proposal. Basalath claimed that the opposition to his and his group’s request was motivated by racial and religious discrimination. Therefore, soon on September 18th, there was a meeting between the Southwest Suburban Activists and Illinois Stop Moving Backwards for reconsideration of the results, also urging local residents to attend and speak up in favor of the Muslim community. The Muslim group refused to give up on their Mosque proposal by organizing an online event called “Stand with Muslims in Plainfield to Demand Approval of a Mosque!” on Facebook, promoting and inviting Plainfield residents to join the Plainfield Village Board meeting to support a local Muslim group which was denied to practice their religion freely-praying and worshipping- for no logical reason. The Revised Proposal After the second objection from the Plainfield village board, Basalath and members of the Islamic Foundation of the Southwest Suburbs revised their proposal utilizing the feedback and discussion from the meeting on August 7th when a motion to table the discussion was voted down. “The revised proposal included: no parking on Ash street along the property’s frontage; dense landscaping to prevent headlights from shining into nearby homes; an occupancy limit of 114 people based on the existing capacity of 38 parking spaces in the parking lot; and ‘resident only’ parking on Maple Court” (Ortiz, 2018). After reviewing the revised proposal, the Village Board stated that the Mosque property usage was more reasonable and possible than the first proposal. Outcome After many failures and objections due to minor traffic and parking problems, the Muslim community center was able to move forward on September 18th by getting their proposal accepted due to numerous claims of religious and racial discrimination and an original no vote from those who were Muslims in Plainfield and other people who strongly supported the Muslim community. Over 100 people attended the meeting, and an overwhelming majority of people supported the construction of the Muslim Community Center and moved forward even though there were some restrictions and conditions including owners having to follow parking restrictions and installing a privacy fence for nearby residents. It was a rare case where many members of the public actually supported the Muslim community within their residential area. Therefore, there were several agreements made in terms of the operation of the community center, including the costs for design and engineering of the community center could not go over $1 million, and the overall construction could not cost over $4.8 million. Current Status For over a year of planning, raising profit, and construction, the mosque in Plainfield opened on May 11th, 2018. There was an open house and ribbon-cutting the day before the Mosque officially opened to the public. The public officials and residents of Plainfield took tours of the Muslim Community Center, “ate food the foundation served, and even participated in a Q&A session with members of the Muslim community” (Ortiz, 2018). Basalath also stated that the Muslim community received many different welcoming phone calls and gifts delivered to them which made him realize how warm of a community Plainfield actually is. References Enter list of sources cited using the proper format. Local <ul><li>Antinori, Shannon and Staff, Patch. (2017, August 28th). ‘Stand with Muslims in Plainfield’ Event Planned After Muslim Center Voted Down. Plainfield Local News. Retrieved from <a href="https://patch.com/illinois/plainfield/stand-muslims-plainfield-event-planned-after-muslim-center-voted-down">https://patch.com/illinois/plainfield/stand-muslims-plainfield-event-planned-after-muslim-center-voted-down</a>.</li> <li>Plainfield trustees approve site plan for Pace lot. (2017, September 22). Real Estate Monitor Worldwide. Retrieved from <a href="https://advance-lexis-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:5PJ2-S9R1-F11P-X3RB-00000-00&context=1516831"></a>.</li> <li>Mallory, M. (2017, September 19). Plainfield trustees allow attorney to draft ordinance to allow mosque in neighborhood. Herald News, The (Joliet, IL). Available from NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current: <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/16704B260C7DFB98">https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/16704B260C7DFB98</a>.</li> </ul>Regional <ul><li>Fabbre, Alicia (2017, September 20th). Suburban mosque proposal advances despite opposition from some neighbors. Chicago tribune. <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-plainfield-mosque-vote-met-20170919-story.html">https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-plainfield-mosque-vote-met-20170919-story.html</a>.</li> <li>Hush, Chris (2017, September 18th). Proposed Plainfield Mosque Approved After Initial Rejection. NBC 5 Chicago. <a href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Planned-Plainfield-Mosque-Approved-After-Initial-Rejection-445558553.html">https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Planned-Plainfield-Mosque-Approved-After-Initial-Rejection-445558553.html</a>.</li> <li>Watson, J. (2008, Mar 01). Prayer chain: A world of worship -- here at home. Indianapolis Star Retrieved from <a href="https://login.proxy.library.emory.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/docview/240975345?accountid=10747"></a></li> </ul>National <ul><li>Mallory, M. (2017, September 13). Plainfield residents speak out in support of Muslim group. Herald News, The (Joliet, IL). Available from NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current: <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/166E896A702EF600">https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/166E896A702EF600</a>. Ortiz, Alex (2018, May 13th). Plainfield mosque opens its doors after a year of planning. The Herald-News. <a href="https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/plainfield-mosque-opens-its-doors-after-a-year-of-planning/a66gg73/">https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/11/plainfield-mosque-opens-its-doors-after-a-year-of-planning/a66gg73/</a>.</li> <li>Tucker, G. (2017, October 11). Plainfield mosque gets last stamp of approval. Bugle, The (Niles, IL). Available from NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current: <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/1677BF3DB7D7EDD0">https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/1677BF3DB7D7EDD0</a>.</li> </ul>Other files: Bogda, Andrew and Proulx, Jonathan (2017, June 16th). Special Use for Religious Assembly (Public Hearing). Local Plan Commission. <a href="https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/80332/Plainfield_Community_Center_Staff_Report_and_Photos.pdf">https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/80332/Plainfield_Community_Center_Staff_Report_and_Photos.pdf</a>. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Plainfield, IL Description An account of the resource A documented account of Case No. IL_18, occurring in Plainfield, IL, 60544 from August to September 2017 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Yubin Kwon Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/f3dac1baf0ae487bb4b13734616127b6.png 8369294a5b8bd65a0378f9108fe59010 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource The Alamin Center in Boynton Beach targeted and defaced with words of hate [Online image]. Retrieved from https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-mosque-signs-vandalized-20161103-story.html.  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Florida Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. Fl_04 Location The location of the interview West Boynton Beach, FL Date April 2011- [?] Summary Enter a brief description of the case (no more than 600 characters). This should be one or two sentences. After a small group of Muslims continued to congregate for prayers in Boynton Beach, Florida, they finally decided to purchase a property to build a mosque, now known as the Al-Amin Center of Florida. Many of the residents were upset because the construction of the mosque had been approved without their consent. They thought that the mosque would cause disruption and be a distraction to many living in the area. The Al-Amin Center of Florida was constructed and finished building though many had issues with the construction. Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 8101 South Military Trail, Boynton Beach Florida, 33436 Proposed Project Islamic Center; Mosque; Cemetery; School. According to the congregation’s architect, Saleh Elrowney, the project will encompass a 17,000 square foot building that includes the mosque, a Sunday school, a courtyard, and administrative offices. The mosque will also be built with an influence in Mediterranean Spanish architecture Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="http://alamincenterflorida.org/">Al- Amin Center of Florida</a> Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Public Campaign/Protests, Vandalism/Threat Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications Approved as proposed; finished construction. Current Status: The mosque ended up being built. However, around the same time of the 2016 election, with Trump’s proposal of a Muslim ban, Al-Amin Center of Florida had vandalism on their signs as well as threats. Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. In 2011, a group of Muslims planned to build a mosque in West Boynton Beach, Florida. They had been renting space to congregate near US Hwy 441 and wanted their new site to be located on 8101 South Military Trail (Pesantes 2011). This specific site was originally supposed to be used to build a church in 2003, but that never ended up happening. The site was already approved for building a religious institution. However, since the church was never built, this group of Muslims wanted to build their mosque on it instead. The site had been prepared and approved to be used for city purposes since 1998 (Pesantes 2011). Although the county commission had approved project to build the mosque in April 2011, residents raised questions about the project. Some residents were irritated that there had been no public announcement about the project. (Public hearings had taken place when the site was under initial developed for a church project in 2003.) Others expressed concerns about the disruption that might be caused due to calls for prayer through large speakers, and the distracting structure of the mosque, specifically, the minarets and the dome. On June 7, 2011, the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Association (COBWRA), an association representing the communities of West Boynton Beach, held an informational meeting in the Lantana Road Branch Library (Pesantes 2011). According to the association’s website, COBWRA had no problems or concerns with the plan to build a mosque on Military Trail. The one request that COBWRA made however was that a deputy should stand on guard on Fridays during Jummah prayers to regulate traffic on Military Trail. Residents from Gateway Palms, a community close to the proposed mosque project and one not represented by COBWRA, attended the informational meeting in large numbers (Pesantes 20110). They were upset that the project had been approved without a public hearing and that it would move forward without their input or opinions being represented. Many were angered by the approval of the construction of the mosque, and voiced their opinions, stating that as taxpayers, they shouldn’t have to pay for something they don’t want. Others expressed fear that the mosque would lead to an increase in traffic, that it would not be open to the public, and that the architecture would be an eyesore. Alarm over the source of funding for the project could be heard as well (Pesantes 2011). The Muslim group’s architect, Saleh Elrowney, assured attendees at the meeting that no loud speakers would be used for call to prayers and that there was no plan for building minarets or domes. He explained that the project would encompass a 17,000 square foot building that includes the mosque, a Sunday school, a courtyard, and administrative offices, and that mosque’s architecture would be influenced by a Mediterranean Spanish style (Pesantes 2011). In order to calm down the citizens living around the area of the Al-Amin project, Elrowney also stated that there would be a larger distance between the mosque and the homes than required by the county code, and that the buildings would not be higher than 35 feet. Despite Elrowney’s efforts, there still remained a lot of chaos surrounding the Al-Amin project (Pesantes 2011). Though there remained chaos surrounding the project, the Al-Amin Center of Florida eventually finished construction. After construction, the Al-Amin Center for Florida did very well in Boynton Beach. The center’s neighbors made sure to make them feel welcome by correcting the misconceptions of Islam. They have “hosted interfaith Mother’s Day potlucks, welcomed non-Muslim community members to their Ramadan celebrations, and invited congregants from local synagogues over for dinner” (Farzan, 2016). However, many years later during the 2016 elections, Muslims faced much more adversity than compared to previous years. FBI statistics show that Muslim hate crimes increased by 67% when Trump first introduced his campaign in 2015 (Johnson 2016). On November 3, 2016, an unidentified individual drove to the Al-Amin Center of Florida, and spray-painted derogatory words onto the mosque’s welcome sign. The graffiti was removed, and the Palm Beach County police were determined to find the culprit, but they never succeeded (Farzan 2016). The Al-Amin Center of Florida remains an active part of the South Florida community today, even though it has faced much adversity in the past. References Enter list of sources cited using the proper format. <ul><li>(2019). Usatoday.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/11/14/hate-crimes-2015-fbi-data-muslims/93805146/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/11/14/hate-crimes-2015-fbi-data-muslims/93805146/</a> </li> <li>(2019). Worldpopulationreview.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from <a href="http://worldpopulationreview.com/states/florida-population/">http://worldpopulationreview.com/states/florida-population/</a> </li> <li>Farzan, A. (2016). Vandals Spray Paint "Fuck Islam" on Boynton Beach Mosque's Sign. New Times Broward-Palm Beach. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from <a href="https://www.browardpalmbeach.com/news/vandals-spray-paint-fuck-islam-on-boynton-beach-mosques-sign-8204143">https://www.browardpalmbeach.com/news/vandals-spray-paint-fuck-islam-on-boynton-beach-mosques-sign-8204143</a> </li> <li>Sun Sentinel - We are currently unavailable in your region. (2019). Sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-mosque-signs-vandalized-20161103-story.html">https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-mosque-signs-vandalized-20161103-story.html</a></li> <li>Sun Sentinel - We are currently unavailable in your region. (2019). Sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2011-05-24-fl-boynton-new-mosque-20110523-story.html">https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2011-05-24-fl-boynton-new-mosque-20110523-story.html</a> </li> <li>Sun Sentinel - We are currently unavailable in your region. (2019). Sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2011-06-07-fl-boynton-mosque-meeting-20110607-story.html">https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2011-06-07-fl-boynton-mosque-meeting-20110607-story.html</a> </li> <li>Sun Sentinel - We are currently unavailable in your region. (2019). Sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved 22 October 2019, from <a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-mosque-signs-vandalized-20161103-story.html">https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-mosque-signs-vandalized-20161103-story.html</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-mosque-signs-vandalized-20161103-story.html"></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-mosque-signs-vandalized-20161103-story.html"></a></li> </ul> Last Updated Date revised. November 4, 2019 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource West Boynton, FL Description An account of the resource A documented account of Case No. FL_04, occurring in West Boynton Beach, FL, 33436 from April 2011 to [?] Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Zia Pirani Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/6961146f56c047b7686209825bc742ad.jpg 0921f62955df742ad0c19d9a8eb27113 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://iccpaz.com/new-masjid-construction-phase-2/ Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Arizona Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) AZ_01 Location The location of the interview Phoenix Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://iccpaz.com/">Islamic Cultural Center of Phoenix</a> Year Year the case began. 2010 Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Vandalism Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Phoenix, AZ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010 Description An account of the resource A Phoenix, Arizona, mosque is vandalized while it is under construction. Paint was spilled on the floor and several tall, arched glass windows were broken by what appeared to be gunshots. Anti-muslim graffiti was found on the walls. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Crimes Against Property Mosque Under Construction https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/754c95cd6fdf4bdd83003e879d0d977a.jpg 4acc39a6203b3894f471ef7c10cb6a12 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.icbr.org/th_gallery/masjid-construction-6/ Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Florida Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) FL_01 Location The location of the interview Boca Raton, FL Date 2003 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 3480 NW 5th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Boca Raton, FL https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/18da713f881df0c736101edddf659291.jpg 9335ff9a0454244c1869b26d84a79d1f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AlHedayaIslamicCenter/photos/a.1410488695727615/2298300376946438">https://www.facebook.com/AlHedayaIslamicCenter/photos/a.1410488695727615/2298300376946438</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Georgia Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Ga_02 Location The location of the interview Marietta, GA Date 2002 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 968 Powder Springs St, Marietta, GA 30064 Proposed Project mosque (70-foot minaret) Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://www.masjidhedaya.com/#">Islamic Circle of North America</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Marietta, GA Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2002 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Pennsylvania Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) Case No. PA_03 Location The location of the interview Bensalem Township, PA Date 2012 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 3743, 3805, 3825 Hulmeville Road Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. Bensalem Masjid Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Bensalem Township, PA Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/88dbfdd722025d702fe3bfed1632d19f.jpg ef17ce24e858b1dfa5767396ef35a47b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Yu, S. (2008). Aerial photo of the Nicodemus Farm the Ahmadiyya community wants to purchase. [Online image]. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Retrieved from https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/continuing_coverage/hindsight/hindsight-2020-walkersville-residents-debate-muslim-community-center-throughout-2007/article_f0c8b6d2-c04f-5bba-86d6-fd013850318e.html. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Maryland Case Use this Item Type to create the case Item Pages for the U.S. Mosque Controversies site. Case Number Enter the case number in this field using the format: Case No. XX_00 (e.g. Case No. Ga_01) No. Md_01 Location The location of the interview Walkersville, MD Year Year the case began. 2007 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 8939 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville, MD 21793 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. FJGX+P9 Walkersville, Maryland Proposed Project The AMC intended to use the Moxley Farm as a place of worship and residence for its imam, as well as to hold an annual three-day religious event called the Jalsa Salana. Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. <a href="https://www.ahmadiyya.us/members/">Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA</a> Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications The city rejected the proposal, and the Muslim community withdrew from the contract to buy the 224-acre property. The landowner sued the city under RLUIPA. The city settled the lawsuit agreeing to buy the property for $4.7 million. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Walkersville, MD Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Description An account of the resource In August 2008, the city government of Walkersville, Maryland, rejected a request for a special exception by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) to build a religious center on a portion of a 224-acre farm in the agricultural zoning district. The project included a mosque for about 200 people, auxiliary facilities, and space for tents to host up to 10,000 participants for an annual three-day convention. The town also enacted an amendment to its zoning ordinance, introduced after AMC’s purchase plans had become public, blocking places of worship in the agricultural zoning district, even by special exception. Denied Lawsuit (RLUIPA) Legislation Mosque Not Built Planning and Zoning Public Campaign Public Speech Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Texas Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Longview, TX