The Blaine City Council approved a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow continued operation of a place of worship at 12175 Aberdeen Street, subject to conditions intended to reduce traffic and parking impacts on surrounding properties.

Community Development Director presented a package of measures staff developed after a December meeting and subsequent discussions with the Muslim American Society (MAS), the police department, engineering, planning and the fire department. Director Thorbig said the applicant had agreed to cap building capacity at 700 people, which staff reported would leave the site short by 27 parking stalls based on fire marshal capacity; the applicant also agreed to provide an off-site parking arrangement with Oak Park Community Church to mitigate shortages. Thorbig described a traffic mitigation plan that would limit the south access to entrance-only and direct exiting vehicles to the north driveway with right-turn-only egress to speed site clearance.

Imam Asad Salman, executive director of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, told the council a parking agreement had been submitted and could be re-submitted; he said the parties were finalizing signatures. Several council members thanked the worship community for patience and noted the council’s intent was to balance religious uses with neighborhood impacts. Council Member Robertson emphasized communication with worshippers and neighbors to follow the traffic signage and diversion plans.

The resolution approving the CUP included: a capacity cap of 700, a required parking agreement with Oak Park Community Church (to be submitted no later than Feb. 28), new signage and operational controls (including limiting the south driveway to inbound traffic and right-turn-only exits), and administrative reassessment authority with a six-month formal review. Council removed the item from the table, moved approval (motion by Council Member Robertson, second by Council Member Newland) and approved the permit by voice vote.