Frustration building over lingering debate on proposed Naperville mosque

As debate lingers over a proposed mosque in southwest Naperville, the lawyer representing the Islamic Center of Naperville is expressing frustration about the number of continuances caused by months of testimony in the city's planning and zoning commission public hearing.

Wednesday's meeting ended without resolution after more than two hours of discussion between city staff members, ICN attorney Len Monson and representatives of nearby residents. Residents say they don't oppose the mosque at the 13-acre open parcel of land at 3540 248th Ave., but they object to future phases of the 40-year construction plan that would add a school, gymnasium and multipurpose hall.

Because the Sept. 15 planning and zoning commission meeting falls on Yom Kippur, Dan Shapiro, the lawyer representing nearby residents, asked for and received a continuance to observe the Jewish holiday. Scheduling conflicts prevented Monson, Shapiro, Naperville Senior Assistant City Attorney Patricia Lord and Commission Chairman Bruce Hanson from finding a date to reconvene sooner than the next scheduled meeting on Oct. 6, meaning the public hearing will stretch into its 10th month.

"We're going on nine months, and that'll be 10 months on this process," Monson said. "No disrespect. I'm willing to be flexible. But another month?"

The plan is for final arguments to be made at the Oct. 6 planning and zoning meeting and for the commissioners to possibly decide on a recommendation for the city council.

"This is a highly controversial case and we're coming up to the most pivotal meeting of all because I expect that we'll start deliberations at the next meeting," Lord said.