Board grants lot‑width variance for proposed mosque on Ocean Gateway parcel

The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals on April 10 approved a variance reducing the minimum lot width from 200 feet to 150 feet for Parcel 130 on Ocean Gateway to permit construction of a proposed mosque and associated parking.

Applicant representatives told the board the property is a flag lot with a narrow stem facing the roadway and a much wider buildable portion toward the rear; the stem and much of the front portion include non‑tidal wetlands and a substantial stormwater management easement, and a septic reserve area limits placement of structures. Surveyor testimony described the site as constrained by wetlands and easements and said the mosque footprint was positioned to preserve the septic reserve area and meet religious orientation requirements.

The proposed building was described as modest, approximately 5,500 square feet in total with roughly 1,500 square feet of interior assembly/prayer space (testimony used the phrase recorded in the file). Witnesses said the structure would replace a dilapidated existing commercial structure and that site redevelopment would likely reduce existing impervious area. Nearby property owners and submitted letters of support were cited by counsel; a neighbor expressed concerns at the hearing about noise and runoff, and the applicant addressed those items, noting demolition of the existing building, no planned loudspeaker use and stormwater controls designed to meet county and state requirements.

The board approved the variance unanimously; staff noted the project will still require Technical Review Committee and agency approvals for stormwater, environmental and other site controls before final permits are issued.