New Mosque Proposed In Stamford, According To Submitted Documents: Details

STAMFORD, CT — A new mosque could be coming to Stamford's East Side, according to plans on file with the city's Land Use Bureau.

An application was recently filed by architect Peter Sikora on behalf of property owner Rahmatul-Lil Alameen Mosque, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, which is seeking a special permit for the change of use from club to house of worship at 80 Lockwood Ave.

The 4,760 square-foot building in the R-5 Zone was originally built as a fire house in 1900.

Most recently, it was home to the Stamford Hellenic Association, a social club. The association sold the property to Nabi Mustaque in July for $1.3 million, Stamford property records show.

Interior renovations and aesthetic upgrades to the outside grounds are proposed. The "exterior bulk characteristics" of the building will not be changed, Sikora said in a description of the proposed plans.

The main area of the building and other first floor amenities would be reconfigured for worship, and bricked and boarded over windows and doors would be replaced. Some minor decorative alterations will also be made to the second floor, according to Sikora.

"The use as a club is quite different from the proposed use of the facility, which will be as a place for meditative worship. The religious tradition of the new owners is for the space dedicated to worship to be used only for this purpose," Sikora wrote.

"Therefore, any gatherings for other uses will be limited to the upstairs portion of the building and will be smaller, quieter events mainly of religious significance or administrative in nature. It also should be noted that alcohol consumption is not part of the religious tradition fo the new owners and the existing upstairs bar will be removed."

Accessory uses in connection with the special permit that's being requested could include activities such as food pantry distribution and a center for youth. The upstairs portion of the building would be reconfigured to better support those kinds of activities.

Sikora wrote that "the diaspora within the community is significant and growing and is poorly served by having only two large houses of worship in the greater area."

"Modest local mosques like this enhance the connectedness within the community and help foster understanding on a more person to person level," Sikora added, noting the religious use would reduce traffic in the area "by making people able to worship and gather locally."

"This benefits local businesses, local property values and is consistent with the mission and spirit of the Stamford Master Plan," Sikora continued.

The proposal is currently listed on the agenda for the Nov. 18 Stamford Planning Board meeting.