A mosque in Rockaway?

Warehouse conversion should be approved

Sunday, July 8, 2007

In the climate of the times, adhering to the Islamic faith can pose problems. Never mind the pronouncements from the president and others that we're at war not with Islam, but with terrorists. An unfortunate stigma still remains in the minds of some.

The Islamic Center of Morris County wants to convert an old warehouse off of Route 46 in Rockaway into a mosque. In detailing the plans to the Daily Record, an Islamic center member saw the need to explain that all Muslims are "not terrorists." Making that statement symbolizes the stigma.

The proposed mosque is now before the board of adjustment. The plan needs a change of use variance to transform the warehouse into a mosque. Opponents -- of which there are some -- say they're concerned about traffic and a loss of tax revenue. The mosque, as a house of worship, would be tax exempt. Opponents say the religion of Islam is not an issue.

Let's give them the benefit of any doubt and agree that the issues are traffic and taxes. While an operating warehouse can be busy every weekday, a mosque basically is busy only one day a week. And this location is very close to a major highway. It's hard to see the traffic problem.

As for taxes, that's a non-issue. A town that denied an application from a house of worship because it would not yield taxes would see that denial swiftly overturned in court. In the United States, the right to practice religion is -- and should be -- respected.