By John Dobberstein, Editor
A public hearing is slated for Thursday to consider a rezoning request for an Islamic place of worship and retail development on the city’s south side.
The Islamic Center of Tulsa is asking the Broken Arrow Planning Commission to approve the rezoning of 15 acres of property near Olive Avenue and Tucson Street from agricultural to commercial general and floodplain.
The affected property is half a mile north of Tucson and just east of Olive. Walnut Grove Church sits just south of the proposed site, which was purchased by the Islamic Center in 2014.
The city’s Comprehensive Plan lists the property as “Level 6” and eligible for rezoning. A commercial retail center would sit along the front of the property, and the Islamic Center’s mosque in the center. The rear of the property is partially floodplain and would likely have a retention pond.
A conditional use permit for a place of assembly is also being request. The city said 1 parking space per 4 seats in the assembly area, or 1 space per 100 square feet of meeting area without seats, is required.
The conceptual layout includes 726 parking spaces, but the final number would be determined and approved in the site plan review process for the Islamic Center and retail development.
Based on the comprehensive plan, location of the property and surrounding land uses city staff recommends approval of the requests subject to platting.
The Planning Commission will hear the application and provide a recommendation to the City Council on whether to approved the rezoning. If the Planning Commission rejects the zoning request the Islamic Center of Tulsa could still file an appeal with the City Council for the request to be heard.
William Carter says
Why is this an issue?
Kevin says
So it’s going to be forced down our throats? Purchased in 2014?
Ted Applegate says
NO THE WANT TO KILL US, LOOK AROUND THE WORLD PLEASE, THE MOSQUE IS WHERE THEY GET RADICALIZED.
Jimmie says
Where is the Thursday hearing at?
JW Berry says
When and where is this meeting going to be???
P. King says
Why would Broken Arrow approve this? There could potentially be a lot of trouble with an Islamic mosque here. These people do not want to assimilate to our culture. I do not want to hear a “call to prayer” blasting 6 times a day. Talk to Americans in Michigan how that’s going. This is ludicrous and I am totally against it. You will lose your Oklahoma population in Broken Arrow if this goes through. Wake up
Gary says
You would reject a family friendly park like Bells Amusements, but consider a mosque in the area?
Scott says
Please no, absolutely not. With all of these Islamic terror attacks going on and growing we are not ready for a mosque. This will absolutely ruin a patriotic city. Don’t be nieve. Thanks for listening.
Mary Knight says
This Mosque is NOT what I want in my back yard! NO, NO, NO!!!
Brenda Gardner says
Please do not approve the rezoning request for the Islamic mosque and retail center.
Angie says
How do we stand up for our constitution and not let this happen
Robert Durkee says
That will be the biggest mistake Broken Arrow will ever make, There colture does not and will not be able to mix with American Colture , there believes are very rery brutal and they will not stay In there own little area, they will try to take control and run everyone OUT that does not believe in there believes, not to mention they hat Americans Islam has no busines in the United States of Amertca they ruined that with 9/11 God Bless America.
Kathy Mills says
this is wrong for Broken Arrow. It is dangerous and irresponsible for the City to allow a Mosque into our town,
Mark says
These American citizens who wish to build a mosque are no better or worse than you. It’s called freedom of religion, and liberty is the right to not be treated differently or suppressed by the state.