Bernards Mosque Proposal Will Go to Vote Dec. 8

After three years of proposals, public comments, and testimonies, the Bernards Township Planning Board is expected to deliberate and take vote on a proposed mosque in Liberty Corner village.

The public comment period, open since March 17, was officially closed on Sept. 16 after dozens of residents spoke out against the construction of a 4,250-square-foot mosque on Church Street, according to TAP into Basking Ridge.

One last meeting on the proposal with the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge (ISBR) is slated for Nov. 3, where summations from opposing residents as well as the ISBR’s attorney are expected to be heard.

The proposal for a mosque in Liberty Corn has been a controversial topic in Bernards Township since it was filed in 2012. The ISBR seeks to raze a house on 4.3 acres at 124 Church St. and build a facility that can hold up to 142 worshipers and 107 parking stalls, according to Bernardsville News.

Residents have voiced concerns over the impact to their neighborhood as the site is located between two homes and the mosque would to hold up to five daily prayers and a Sunday school.