TASK OF MOSQUE CONSTRUCTION

A plan by the local Muslim community in Brooklyn to build a mosque is facing a fierce campaign which raises bigotry-driven fears, which Muslims say is not uncommon in post 9/11 America. The proposal for building a mosque with a four-storey community centre and a minaret in Brooklyn’s Voorhies Ave was submitted to the Department of Buildings in July, but was rejected by city planners over zoning regulations. The proposal was accepted when resubmitted without the minaret, and now the construction is proceeding. But the project is still meeting strong opposition from some non-Muslim residents who formed a group called the Bay People and distributed leaflets urging people to “Say NO to mosque at 2812 Voorhies Avenue”.