https://usmc.oxomeka.org/files/original/e44574b78a61de776d9c01bd9afdedc8.png d979de7ab7cbec23d24d45c38c665a3a 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 Muslim American Society's Katy Islamic Center marked its opening June 13 with a ribbon-cutting celebration at 1800 Baker Road. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/katy/news/article/MAS-Islamic-Center-largest-mosque-in-Katy-to-6323464.php 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 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. TX_01 Location The location of the interview Katy, TX Year Year the case began. 2006 Address Enter the full address, if it is available. 1800 Baker Road, Houston, TX 77094 Plus Code Enter the plus code for the location, if it is available. Q76W+C8 Windsor Park Estates, Texas Proposed Project mosque and community center on 11-acre property in Katy, TX Proposed By List the entity (legal entity or community name) that proposed the project. Katy Islamic Association (KIA) Type of Opposition Public Campaign, Vandalism, Legal Action, Local Ordinance Public Campaign Outcome Rejected, Approved, Approved with Modifications Approved Narrative Enter the narrative about the case here. 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 <ul> <li>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 <a href="https://infoweb-newsbank-com.proxy.library.emory.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/116BB5D156553D48">NewsBank</a>.</li> <li>Mikati, M. (2019, March 12). Years after pig races, support for Katy mosque shows improved relations with community. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Years-after-pig-races-support-for-Katy-mosque-13680419.php">https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Years-after-pig-races-support-for-Katy-mosque-13680419.php</a>. </li> <li>Stanley, T. (2006, December 4). Baker Rd. residents take up sides on proposed mosque. Katy Times. Retrieved from <a href="http://katytimes.com/news/article_55c01a9d-cd4d-5729-b502-decd5b297d6e.html">http://katytimes.com/news/article_55c01a9d-cd4d-5729-b502-decd5b297d6e.html</a>. </li> </ul> Last Updated Date revised. May 25, 2024 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 Katy, TX Description An account of the resource The Katy Islamic Association (KIA) purchased an 11-acre property in Katy, TX, to build a mosque and community center, encountering mixed public reactions. Some locals opposed the project, citing concerns over traffic, property values, and potential extremist ties, while others supported KIA. Neighbor Craig Baker's hostile response included weekly pig races. KIA addressed community concerns through outreach events and adjustments to their plans, receiving support from interfaith leaders. The mosque opened in June 2015, and by 2019, community relations had improved significantly, as evidenced by local support after a shooting incident at the mosque. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bryce Bentinck Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oxford College of Emory University Approved Built Islamic Center Public Campaign Purpose-Built