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Board recommends approval of special permit to convert 80 Lockwood Avenue into a mosque
Summary
The planning board recommended approval of a special permit for Rama Alamin Mosque to convert an existing building at 80 Lockwood Ave into a place of worship; applicant proposes capacity for 104 worshippers with 26 on‑site parking spaces, meeting the zoning parking ratio of 1 space per 4 seats.
The Stamford City Planning Board on Nov. 18 recommended approval of a special permit for a house of worship at 80 Lockwood Avenue, forwarding a supportive recommendation to the Zoning Board.
Architect Peter Sikora presented plans to convert an existing former community/firehouse building into a mosque. Sikora said the interior will be reconfigured to provide a worship area for 104 congregation members and that the site plan shows 26 on‑site parking spaces. Staff confirmed that the city’s zoning standard for religious institutions — one parking space per four seats — had been applied and that the application meets the parking requirement for the proposed capacity.
Board members raised concerns about neighborhood street parking, potential noise during special events, and how the facility would handle occasional peaks in attendance. Sikora and staff said the building was previously used as a community center/club and that masonry construction and the proposed site layout would not increase noise beyond prior uses. They also noted that larger peak events could be managed through operational measures and that the project meets the current regulatory standards for parking, fire code and occupancy.
Bill moved for a favorable recommendation and a second was recorded; the board vote was 3 in favor and 1 abstention. Staff said the applicant will receive a recommendation letter and proceed to the Zoning Board for the special permit hearing.
