Nokesville, VA
Description
Creator
Year
Proposed Project
Outcome
Narrative
In 2016, the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) sought a special-use permit for a property in Nokesville intended for the construction of a 500-person mosque, aiming to serve the local Muslim population of 150-200 individuals who currently worshiped in rented premises in nearby Manassas. The proposed facility would serve as an Islamic Center accommodating prayers, classes, fundraisers, and similar activities. The project faced significant opposition from local residents, citing concerns such as its perceived clash with the rural ambiance and aesthetics of the town, potential traffic congestion, and fears of setting a precedent for excessive development.
The Prince William County Planning Commission initially recommended approval of the permit with the condition of using a septic tank. However, adhering to federal non-discrimination laws, the County Board of Supervisors approved the project, allowing ADAMS to connect to the public sewer system. This decision led to community groups challenging the County Board of Supervisors in court and attempting to remove Chairman Corey Stewart from office.
During the Planning Commission meeting, public concerns centered on the mosque's size and its impact on the landscape, traffic flow, and the Rural Crescent—a protected area of approximately 80,000 acres to prevent urban sprawl and excessive development. Public sewer access within the Rural Crescent was traditionally restricted to control building size and development. The Planning Commission's decision to permit the mosque without public sewer access was justified based on these zoning regulations. Supporters of the mosque noted previous exceptions for religious institutions to connect to the public sewer system, while opponents argued that these exceptions were granted due to specific infrastructure-related needs.
At the Prince William Board of Supervisors meeting, the motion to approve the proposed mosque project was divided into two parts. The first part, concerning the mosque's construction without access to the public sewer, was unanimously approved. The second motion to allow the mosque to connect to the public sewer system, which initially faced rejection, was revisited and ultimately approved. This decision reversal followed inquiries directed to the County Attorney regarding RLUIPA and the application of County policy in prior cases involving religious institutions. During this discussion, the Board was reminded by its legal counsel of the unsuitability of a septic system for the sporadic usage typical of such religious institutions, citing a previous determination regarding a Christian church. Subsequently, the motion to grant the mosque access to the public sewer system was approved by a vote of 5-3, overturning the previous rejection resulting in a 4-4 tie.
Following the Board's approval, civic groups like Save Our PWC, LLC, mobilized to petition for Chairman Stewart's removal, citing concerns about his conduct and adherence to regulations (Koma, 2017, September 14). Another group, Action for Rural Crescent, LLC, pursued legal action against the Board, arguing procedural irregularities infringed upon their due process rights and violated state law. Despite these challenges, Chairman Stewart retained his position, and the Prince William County Circuit Court ultimately dismissed the legal case brought by Action for Rural Crescent, LLC.
References
Koma, A. (2017, September 14). Group formed to recall Prince William chairman Corey Stewart. InsideNoVa - Prince William (VA). Available from NewsBank.