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Planning commission recommends approval for Abu Hurayra (Islamic Center) at 4801 DeWitt Road
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a special land use to convert a former Schwan Foods building to a mosque, granting modifications for additional parking and waiving a loading-space requirement subject to conditions and compliance reviews.
The Canton Township Planning Commission on Aug. 4 recommended approval of a special land use to convert the vacant building at 4801 DeWitt Road into Abu Hurayra (Islamic Center of Michigan).
Patrick (Planning Division staff) told the commission the 1.88-acre site in the LI (Light Industrial) district was previously developed for industrial use and the building meets LI setback and dimensional standards, though it does not meet three requirements in subsection 6.02(u) that apply specifically to religious land uses: minimum lot area (3 acres), greater setback distances, and a larger minimum right-of-way for the frontage. Patrick said the township attorney is evaluating whether subsection 6.02(u) can be applied under the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and that, if the rule applies, the applicant could pursue variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Staff recommended allowing up to 82 parking spaces (the ordinance’s maximum is 67) because peak demand during prayer times can exceed typical limits, and recommended waiving the formal loading-space requirement because religious uses generally do not require large deliveries. Staff also recommended three conditions: updating landscaping to meet the previously approved plan (with acceptable species substitutions), replacing any noncompliant light fixtures with shielded fixtures that meet section 2.13, and making any plan revisions required by the planning division to comply with the ordinance.
Mohammed Abdi, president of Abu Hurayra Islamic Center, and representative Zeeshan Jalali addressed the commission and said they expect most activity outside peak industrial hours and that the site offers convenient access for the Muslim community in southern Canton. No members of the public objected during the hearing.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Watkins moved to recommend approval of the special land use at 4801 DeWitt Road; Commissioner Foster supported. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval and to permit up to 82 parking spaces and to waive the loading-space requirement, subject to the three staff conditions and state/county/township requirements (Yes: Cruz, Foster, Janowski, Lee, Singh, Watkins, Chairperson Zuber).
Next steps: The matter is scheduled for the township board’s next available meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 26, where the board will consider final action.
