Naperville Islamic Center looking for elbow room

The Islamic Center of Naperville is asking the city for permission to expand to accommodate its growing membership.

More parking spaces, mobile classrooms and the potential for a future two-story building addition all are under discussion for the facility at 2844 W. Ogden Ave.

The Islamic Center plans to add 87 parking spaces to the property, bringing its total to 177.

"Parking is an absolute need," said Len Monson, attorney for the center. "The parking lot is microscopic right now. That's why we're almost doubling it."

A city parking study Nov. 2 found 237 vehicles arrived for the afternoon worship service, far exceeding the 90 available spaces. Excess vehicles were double-parked, parked on grass and at nearby businesses, according to the study.

Monson said the center already has added a second Friday afternoon service to spread out the traffic and is employing traffic control officers.

The center also has started a dialogue with neighboring businesses such as Floor Covering Associates of Naperville.

Jason Williams, general manager of FCA, said the number of cars looking to park for Friday worship services has overwhelmed the store's parking lots and caused customers to take their business elsewhere.

"We're very much trying to be good neighbors and we're trying to balance that with their needs," he said. "We're sensitive to the fact they need a place to worship and we want that to happen. There has to be an agreement or way of working this out."

He could not comment on what effect the Islamic Center's proposal would have on traffic congestion.

The Islamic Center also hopes to add mobile classrooms for its educational programs that use worship space and is considering a two-story building addition. Monson said the addition is not set in stone and the center is looking to get the general concept approved.

The city council voted Wednesday to table the issue and bring it back in four weeks.