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Neighbors tell Hempstead board they fear unpermitted construction at Jerusalem Avenue Islamic Center
Summary
Multiple residents told the Hempstead Town Board they believe the Islamic Center of Nassau has carried out construction without permits, alleged an expired public-assembly license, and asked the town to enforce zoning and safety rules; town staff said some matters are in court and invited residents to meet with the building commissioner.
Several residents used the board’s public-comment period to raise safety, zoning and permit concerns about work at the Islamic Center of Nassau on Jerusalem Avenue.
Veronica Petrella told the board she and neighbors believe the center performed renovations “without permits,” said a prior zoning-board hearing has not been complied with, and described neighbors’ worries about a proposed multi-story structure on a residentially zoned lot. “They continue to get permits to continue ... they have violated the privacy and the rights of surrounding neighbors,” Petrella said, and she urged the town to take action rather than appear to “hide” from potential litigation.
Another speaker (transcript: ROF Miklo) said the center’s public-assembly license and operating permit had expired (the speaker cited a March 21 expiration date) and reported recent large outdoor events at the site. Town staff responded that the building department investigates complaints, issues summonses and that some matters are currently in court, which limits immediate enforcement. The board directed residents to speak with Building Commissioner Mr. Leo for follow-up.
Diane Benadetto raised related concerns about safety, environmental impacts and the compatibility of a proposed multi-story community center with an adjacent 100-year-old church. Speakers emphasized they were not presenting the comments as a religious condemnation but as zoning, safety and permit issues that they believe the town must address.
Town staff told speakers the building department will follow up and that enforcement actions have included summonses; staff cautioned that pending litigation can limit what the town can do in public session. The transcript does not record that the board took any immediate enforcement action during the meeting; rather, staff were asked to investigate and to speak with concerned residents privately.
The residents’ comments also referenced a federal law protecting religious exercise (transcript reference: "Alupa law"); speakers said that law complicates local enforcement but did not cite a specific statute by official name in the meeting record.
