Islamic Center expansion clears key procedural steps as neighbors press concerns over parking, noise and occupancy

The Clifton Planning Board on Oct. 14 heard testimony and public comment on an application by the Islamic Center of Passaic County to replace and expand its facility at 257–259 Pershing Road. Ibrahim Fahmy, president of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, and the applicant’s attorney, Mr. McGowan, described a larger building and more on‑site parking intended to bring existing outdoor activity indoors and reduce on‑street impacts.

Board and applicant testimony described why the mosque says a larger building would serve the current congregation rather than meaningfully grow it. “The goal here is that our expansion is going to bring all of our activities inside,” Ibrahim Fahmy said, adding, “That is the absolute goal.” Fahmy said the project would add parking — the application plan shows about 230 spaces versus the current 88 — and new program spaces including two prayer rooms, a multipurpose area and a gym so children can play indoors during busy periods such as Ramadan.

The application’s supporters and the applicant argued the proposed changes are intended to reduce outdoor overflow and loudspeaker use. Fahmy testified that tents and outside loudspeakers used during Ramadan were not ideal and that the new design is meant to eliminate those practices: “We want everything to be inside, and we have no intention and no interest in putting outside speakers at all,” he said.

Why it matters: neighbors and the board focused on whether the plan as submitted provides enough detail for the board to reach a decision and whether it will actually reduce neighborhood impacts. Key sticking points included parking geometry and aisle widths, the method for calculating required parking, environmental/landscaping specifics tied to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and how occupancy will be monitored and enforced.

Most immediate facts and procedural posture - The applicant…