Katy, TX
Description
Creator
Year
Proposed Project
Outcome
Narrative
The Katy Islamic Association (KIA) acquired an 11-acre property at 1800 Baker Rd in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood in Katy, located on the outskirts of Houston, TX. The association purchased the property for $1.1 million, intending to construct a mosque to serve the local community, which includes approximately 500 Muslim families. The planned complex was to feature a mosque, school, community center, and activity space, with potential future expansions including a health clinic and elderly living center. Public opinion regarding the Islamic Center was divided, with some expressing support and others voicing strong opposition. One adjacent property owner alleged that representatives of the Islamic Center insulted him, leading him to retaliate by holding weekly pig races during the Center’s prayer times. Despite the controversy, the Katy Islamic Association obtained the necessary building permits from local authorities and officially opened the mosque on June 13, 2015.
The land acquisition for the Islamic Center in Katy quickly sparked opposition among local residents. One individual created a website with a domain name similar to that of the Katy Islamic Association, which included a tally of terrorist activities post-September 11, 2001, and disseminated misinformation about the Association and its planned mosque. A group called PLANK (Preserving the Lifestyles and Neighborhoods of Katy) emerged to articulate concerns that the mosque would lead to increased traffic, flooding, light and noise pollution, and a decline in property values. Additionally, some community members questioned potential ties between KIA and extremist groups, expressing safety concerns. Nonetheless, other residents defended KIA, apologizing for the community's opposition. Particularly notable was the reaction of neighbor Craig Baker, who, after a disagreement with an Islamic Center representative, relocated his pig pens adjacent to the Center's property and initiated weekly pig racing events on Fridays (Stanley, 2006, Dec 4).
In response to these tensions, the Katy Islamic Association undertook significant efforts to address community concerns and foster harmony. They organized outreach events, inviting local residents to engage with the Center’s leadership and learn more about their mission. During these meetings, they addressed various concerns, such as adjusting the angle of floodlights that were disturbing a neighbor's sleep and removing the mosque’s gold dome from the architectural plans to accommodate aesthetic preferences (Miakti, 2019, March 12). Support from local Jewish, Catholic, and Muslim religious leaders further bolstered interfaith dialogue and unity (Eriksen, 2007, Jan 17). After sufficient fundraising and obtaining the necessary permits, KIA commenced construction of the Katy Islamic Center, which opened on June 6, 2015. By 2019, leaders from the Islamic Center reported significant improvements in community relations, highlighted by the strong support they received following a shooting incident at the mosque in January 2019 (Miakti, 2019, March 12).
References
- Eriksen, H. (2007, January 17). Interfaith group promotes tolerance in forumsKaty pig races near mosque site sparked meetings. Houston Chronicle (TX), p. 4. Available from NewsBank.
- Mikati, M. (2019, March 12). Years after pig races, support for Katy mosque shows improved relations with community. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Years-after-pig-races-support-for-Katy-mosque-13680419.php.
- Stanley, T. (2006, December 4). Baker Rd. residents take up sides on proposed mosque. Katy Times. Retrieved from http://katytimes.com/news/article_55c01a9d-cd4d-5729-b502-decd5b297d6e.html.