Lilburn Approves Mosque Plan, Citizens React

Members of the Dar E-Abbas congregation were visibly relieved Tuesday night as Lilburn City Council approved the mosque's expansion plan, ending a two-year struggle that had grown into a discrimination lawsuit and an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"It's a good decision. We really appreciate it," said Syed Abbas after the council voted 3-1 in favor of the proposal.

There were a few loud boos and a lot of disappointment expressed after the council's decision, though, announced to a standing-room-only audience at the Calvin Fitchett Municipal Complex Auditorium.

Opponents of the proposal had expressed concerns ranging from lights to water run-off and hours of worship during the public hearing, in which both sides were given 30 minutes to present their opinions.

"I'm just really heartsick," said Dotti Warren, who runs a dance studio in Lilburn, after the decision was announced. "I'm totally in shock, in listening to the pleas of citizens that the council didn't take into consideration. It will affect all of us, all of us."

Hasan Mirza, a co-founder of the mosque, was busy after the decision giving out his contact information to people who live near the mosque.

"We don't have a big head" now, he said. "We want to get the word out to the community that we will be good neighbors. We'll try to do everything possible not to annoy neighbors. We want them to go home and be happy."

More than a few present felt that the public hearing had been a waste of time.

"I think they had it decided before they came in here, and I don't think they listened to a word anybody said," said Lilburn resident Diane Gardner. She said she wasn't surprised by the approval. 

"They had no other choice," said Robin Stinson, a teacher, after the decision. "It's a shame the Department of Justice had to step in."

During the public hearing, Stinson expressed dismay at the years-long debate. "I do not understand the bigoted, angry comments," she said. "The people who are angry about this don't speak for all of Lilburn nor do they speak for all of Christianity."

Some opponents said they are worried about the precedent set with the decision.

"There's no telling what could come up now. We don't know what they're going to allow in next," Warren said, a 35-year Lilburn resident.

Some were just relieved the long ordeal is over, for now.

"I'm glad the courts and/or the Department of Justice dragged Lilburn into the 21st century," said Lilburn resident Thor Johnson. "I'm very, very, glad it's over with. It's well past time."