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Board approves special land use for Muslim educational community center on North Ridge Road
Summary
Trustees approved a special land-use permit for a proposed religious institute on North Ridge Road (6200 N. Ridge), with conditions to address site plan issues; the planning commission had recommended approval 6–1.
The Canton Township Board of Trustees approved a special land-use application on June 24 for a Muslim educational community center (applicant identified as Mecca/Muslim Educational Community Center of America) to locate at 6200 North Ridge Road (parcel 031990007000). The Planning Commission had reviewed the application and voted 6–1 to recommend approval with conditions.
Site and process: The parcel is about 11.47 acres zoned R‑1 (single-family residential); the proposal calls for a religious institute (a mosque/community center) and includes demolition of an existing single-family residence on the parcel. Planning staff said the project places building and parking west of Fellows Creek and that wooded, floodplain areas to the east will be preserved. The Planning Commission public hearing was well attended; staff noted public comments were considered in the commission’s deliberations.
Conditions and neighborhood concerns: Planning staff and commissioners discussed building height and a request about loudspeakers; the applicant stated on the record they do not plan to use outdoor loudspeakers for calls to prayer. Planning staff recommended that if the applicant seeks architectural elements above ordinance height limits, they could apply for a variance; commissioners requested the applicant consider lowering an architectural element by 10 feet to comply with ordinance height limits unless a variance is pursued.
Public comment and applicant remarks: A representative of the applicant (Rizam Hamoud, identified as chairman of the board for Mecca) thanked trustees and staff and said the organization looks forward to working with township staff to complete the project.
Formal action: Motion to approve the special land use (Resolution 2025‑21) was moved by Treasurer Diane Slavens and supported by Trustee Ansari (with additional support noted by Trustee Foster); the board voted aye and approved the special land use subject to staff conditions and state/county requirements.
Next steps: The approval allows the applicant to proceed to site-plan review and requires the applicant to address staff comments and obtain any necessary permits and variances before construction.
