Naperville Islamic Center’s annexation requests heads to city council

The Islamic Center of Naperville cleared the first of several hurdles Wednesday in its quest to build a mosque on the city’s far southwest side.

Members of the Naperville Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously agreed to recommend to the city council that the 14 acre lot at 9931 S. 248th Avenue in Will County be rezoned residential and that its plot of subdivision be approved.

“We all agree the zoning and the plat is a no-brainer,” Commissioner Robert Williams said. “What else are you going to do with that property? It’s already being used as R1.”

There is a four-bedroom home on the property which the current owners, HOPE United Church of Christ, has used for office space. The rest of the site is farmland.

Church officials have stressed that the Islamic Center wants to utilize the property in the same manner as HOPE United.

Those recommendations clear the way for the city council to consider annexation of the site as soon as Dec. 20.

The Islamic Center, which has a contract on the property, is seeking annexation to gain access to the city’s water and sewer services in preparation for a mosque members hope to build within five to 10 years

“We’re not asking for any variances. We’re going by the book,” Center President Ashraf Elessawy said. “We have no reason to believe the city will deny our annexation request moving forward.”

Several neighbors and residents attempted to speak both in favor and against the proposed annexation but acting Chairwoman Patty Gustin cut them off, in an attempt to keep the meeting focused, and told them they need to direct their concerns to the city council when the issue is on the council agenda.