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Board denies request to add minarets to mosque after neighbors cite traffic, noise and scale concerns
Summary
Residents and board members opposed two 30-foot minarets proposed for a mosque on Shaner, raising traffic, parking and neighborhood character concerns. The ZBA found the petitioner did not demonstrate a practical difficulty and denied the request.
The Warren Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 14 denied a request to construct two 30-foot symbolic minarets at a mosque on Shaner Road after extensive public comment from nearby residents and questioning by board members.
Several neighbors told the board the site's parking and vehicular congestion already overload surrounding streets on service days. "The traffic at this place is horrendous," said one neighbor, citing cars parked on nearby residential streets and safety concerns for emergency access. Board members viewed photos, recounted site visits and reviewed planning backup before concluding the petitioner had not demonstrated the practical difficulty required for a variance.
Mr. Lindsey moved to deny, saying the requested architectural structures would be self-imposed, not required for the property's existing use, and would be a detriment to the area. The motion passed on recorded vote.
The board emphasized that the variance before them concerned the minarets’ size/location and not the mosque’s existing use.
