Planning board approves Islamic Center rezoning with limits on food pantry hours and outdoor amplification

The Lake County Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve a rezoning request for the Islamic Center of Claremont that will change roughly 3.69 acres from agricultural to Community Facility District, allowing expansion of the center's facility. Planner Megan Bridal presented the staff finding that the rezoning is consistent with county regulations and the comprehensive plan. "The subject property is currently designated with a rural future land use category and a zoned agriculture district," she said while summarizing the proposal.

Neighbors raised concerns about traffic, drainage and lighting near Johns Lake Road and Hancock (Susie Westbrook said she is "curious what this is gonna do for the traffic"). Applicant counsel Jimmy Crawford and Islamic Center president Asif Ali said the congregation serves about 80 families, the center's major activities occur outside rush hours, and the applicant is willing to add buffering and limit amplified outdoor sound. The board added a condition limiting public food pantry hours to two Saturdays per month from 9 a.m. to noon (with appointment exceptions) and secured the applicant's agreement to prohibit amplified outdoor sound after 10 p.m. The motion to approve, as amended, carried.