By Chris Sikich
CARMEL, Ind. — The city’s Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-2 late Monday night to approve a proposal to build a mosque in an area of Carmel that is predominately residential.
A healthy roar and clapping followed the announcement of the vote, more than five hours after the meeting started. An unprecedented crowd turned out for an opportunity to address the board, with 88 speaking in favor of the mosque and 88 opposing it.
The Al Salam Foundation asked for permission to build the mosque at 141st Street and Shelborne Road. City staff recommended approval, saying the plans meet zoning requirements and houses of worship are considered compatible with neighborhoods.
About 700 people packed the first floor at the 1,600-seat Palladium concert hall, filing in as a harpist quietly plucked away at tunes such as “Stairway to Heaven” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Click here to read the rest of the article.