Islamic Society Center Expansion Hearing Carried To July

After hours of testimony and questions, the Middletown Township Planning Board agreed to continue the public hearing on the expansion of the on Wednesday, July 11.

The Islamic Society went before the board for approvals to expand its parking lot by 105 spaces, build a two-story community building, and construct an outdoor plaza for picnics and gatherings on a neighboring property it purchased.

Mohammad Mosaad, vice president of the Islamic Society of Monmouth County, was represented by Attorney Patrick Healy. Together, along with site engineer Scharif Aly, the three men answered numerous questions from the Board and members of the public in the packed meeting room.

Before adjournment, the Planning Board announced that the remainder of the hearing would be continued at the July 11 meeting. Prior to the next meeting, Healy, Aly, and Mosaad, are expected to work together with the residents neighboring the property and come to an agreement about buffer lines and landscape improvements. The new buffer line plans will be inspected by the board during the July meeting.