Board of Adjustment approves educational facility addition for Islamic Center on East Johnson Avenue

The Escambia County Board of Adjustment on April 16 voted 5-0 to grant a conditional use allowing an educational facility in the HDR zoning district at a property on East Johnson Avenue owned by Islamic Center of Northwest Florida Inc.

Melissa Shirley and other county staff presented maps, aerial photos and the staff findings. Staff said the proposed educational facility would be accessory to the adjacent place of worship, that the applicant proposes to combine two parcels, and that the dwelling on the site would be removed and replaced by a roughly 9,000‑square‑foot building with playground areas. Staff noted the lot is about 2.8 acres and that utilities, buffers, lighting and signage will be reviewed during the Development Review Committee (DRC) process.

Clint Giese, representing the Islamic Center, said the application submitted the information required to meet the conditional‑use criteria and that the center was available to answer follow‑up questions. Several members of the public spoke in favor and raised concerns about traffic and driveway access through nearby residential streets; county staff explained that on‑site circulation, drive aisles and any access from McLean or adjoining streets will be evaluated during development review and by the county traffic division.

Randy Lynn Nash Sr. voiced concern about additional traffic through McLean Avenue; staff responded that the proposed site plan shows two entrances on East Johnson and that traffic and safety issues would be reviewed by the county when engineered plans are submitted.

Board member Randy moved approval according to staff findings; the motion was seconded by Willie and passed unanimously, 5-0. The approval requires completion of site plan review and issuance of a development order before construction.