STERLING HEIGHTS – ِِA US District Court judge has ruled that a Detroit suburb violated no laws when it allowed the construction of a mosque in a neighborhood, a verdict definitely in favor of Muslims.
“This was put forth by people who don’t believe the (AICC) should have the same freedom of religion as others,” Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said, Macomb Daily reported.
“Hopefully, this puts the whole issue to bed.”
US District Judge Gershwin Drain issued an order Wednesday in favor of Sterling Heights.
The city denied plans for the mosque in 2015 over what it said were parking, traffic, and other concerns.
The center and the US Justice Department sued the city, leading to the 2017 consent agreement. Lawyers for some residents then sued, saying Sterling Heights’ zoning ordinances were being violated.
According to Taylor and Daniel Dalton, the attorney representing the American Islamic Community Center, plans to build the mosque have been slowed due to the AICC changing architects.
New plans have been approved, but new engineering prints must be drawn and permits pulled and approved before construction can begin.