A debate over the parking needs for a proposed mosque in Liberty Corner heated up at the latest Planning Board hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 8, after the board’s staff set a far higher threshold.
While a plan for 50 parking stalls was initially deemed zoning compliant based on the local criteria for a “church,” the board’s staff said the appropriate standard is a 2010 planning industry formula for mosques that would require the project to provide 110.
The board, using further information on the project, would have the ability to set the number higher or lower.
That drew vehement objections from Vincent Bisogno, attorney for the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge (ISBR), which hopes to build a 4,250-square-foot mosque for 140 worshippers on 4.3 acres at 124 Church St.
“You’re saying 50 was accepted, now you’re not going to accept it, ‘We may want more and will tell you later on,’ ” Bisogno told the board. “I’m saying that’s not fair to the applicant.”
Board Chair Carol Bianchi countered that use of the church criteria for the mosque was “never accepted” by the board. Bisogno acknowledged that it was only accepted in a preliminary staff review, but he said that led the ISBR to rely upon it in preparing the plans.
Bisogno said his client would conduct further parking studies but mainly to cover itself if the issue goes to court.
“I still feel we’re being treated differently than other houses of worship,” he said.
The board, with a crowd of about 50 people in attendance, went on to hear more than three hours of testimony from the project architect. The hearing was ultimately carried to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at town hall on Collyer Lane.
Local residents have voiced concerns about the project, saying a facility with five daily prayers, a parking lot and light posts is inappropriate for a residential area.