Lakeville planners recommend City Council approval for Alhadi Association mosque after extensive public comment

The Lakeville Planning Commission voted to recommend City Council approval of a conditional use permit for the Alhadi Association to build a 3,600‑square‑foot mosque at 17732 Junell Path, following lengthy staff presentation, a robust public comment period and detailed technical Q&A.

Applicant Mohammad Shabbaz told the commission he represents Alhadi Association and described the proposal as a mosque and community center designed to meet site planning, traffic, parking, landscaping, grading and utilities requirements. Planning staff (Miss Jensen) presented technical details: the RS2 residential zoning allows religious institutions by CUP; the proposed building would require 39 parking spaces based on occupancy but the applicant proposes 59 spaces (about 125% of required parking would be 49 spaces); the building footprint is roughly 3,600 sq ft, exterior materials would be ~70% brick and glass, and a minaret is exempt from the residential height maximum. Staff also described a private stormwater pond and rain garden, a tree preservation review (staff calculated 57.7% proposed removal on the area to be developed with replacement plantings), and an amendment to add a stipulation requiring a financial security to guarantee removal of an old farmhouse and barn and proper closure of an existing well. Staff recommended approval subject to seven stipulations.

Public testimony split the room. Dozens of supporters—residents, interfaith leaders and youth—said the mosque would provide a permanent home for a growing congregation, youth programming, volunteer service and interfaith engagement. Supporters included residents who described longstanding ties to Alhadi and a local pastor who said houses of worship are civic assets.

Neighbors and a representative of an adjacent senior rental facility raised concerns about traffic on the dead‑end Junell Path, potential parking spillover (the street is posted no‑parking), pedestrian safety for elderly residents and people with mobility aids, nighttime lighting, pond maintenance and the need for additional traffic counts or studies. Several speakers questioned whether sufficient notice or documentation (easement details, survey completeness and watershed involvement) had been provided for outside agencies. Speakers urged conditions such as traffic monitoring, guaranteed maintenance for stormwater facilities, and assurance that demolition of the existing farmhouse would follow hazardous‑materials protocols.

During commissioner questioning, the city engineer and staff clarified that the stormwater report and SWIP had been reviewed and meet City checklists, relevant easements had been identified, water and sewer stubs exist from prior work (so public utilities can serve the site), and the City requires a stormwater maintenance agreement. Staff explained the parking requirement formula (one space per three seats in the main gathering area) that produced a minimum of 39 spaces and that the applicant’s 59 spaces exceed that standard to reduce neighborhood spillover. The applicant added that operational hours would generally be 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., that Friday services typically occur in two sessions totaling roughly 70 people, and that volunteers would help manage parking and traffic during peak events.

Commissioners recognized the neighborhood concerns—particularly about traffic, crosswalks and access for seniors—but noted the ordinance allows religious institutions in RS2 with a CUP and that staff found the proposal consistent with standards. After deliberation, a motion to recommend approval with the seven amended stipulations and the findings of fact passed by roll call.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation and the staff report will be forwarded to City Council for final action. If Council approves the CUP, the applicant will be required to satisfy the stipulations, sign required maintenance agreements, obtain demolition and building permits and comply with any conditions prior to construction.