Attorney John Fallon, right, and architect Syed Ali address the Plan Review Committee about a proposed mosque.

Photo Credit: Jim Gerweck

Committee members examine a model of the proposed mosque.

Photo Credit: Jim Gerweck

Representatives of a group seeking to build a mosque on Fillow Street faced their last procedural hurdle last night before what is sure to be a well-attended public hearing at the Zoning Commission's Plan Review Committee. Attorney John Fallon, representing the Al Madany Islamic Center of Norwalk, answered committee members' questions about the worship hall and community center planned for the 1.55-acre site, currently occupied by a small farmhouse.

Though most of those concerns centered on the impact of traffic and parking, questions were also asked about the size of the structure, which architect Syed Ali said would be 23,000 square feet. And though Fallon answered most questions, he said, "This proposal is completely compliant with the regulations of the city, in every way – it needs no variance." That said, he noted that the congregation was committed to being good neighbors and would split its services and hire off-duty police on the two High Holy Days of the Muslim calendar, when larger-than-normal attendance might be expected.

Although this seemed to satisfy most of the committee members, some had concerns about the size of the community center, and they asked whether special events such as weddings or funerals might exceed the 89-space parking capacity. There was also a question of whether the commission could approve the worship hall but deny, without prejudice, the community center until those questions were answered.

All those issues and others are sure to come up when the commission holds a public comment session Sept. 29. Anticipating a large turnout, it announced that the hearing will be held in the largest room in City Hall, the concert hall. Many neighbors, particularly those from two nearby condominiums, have expressed opposition to the plan.