Proposed Paramus Road Mosque Hearing Continues This Week

The Muslim Cultural Center returns to the Paramus Zoning Board of Adjustment this Thursday night to continue hearing its plans to occupy a previously okayed but not yet constructed office building as a mosque and multicultural center.

The hearing was supposed to continue last month but due to a lack of quorum that night it was postponed once again.

Testimony will pick up where it left off last November where the project's engineer, architect and traffic expert gave details on the proposed plans and parking situation.

The Zoning Board had granted approval back in 2008 for the construction of an office building at this Paramus Road site which the Muslim Cutural Center now seeks approval to occupy it for the use of a mosque and multicultural center.

The proposed footprint of the building is the same as the original plans with the exception of a reduction to the first floor in order to accomodate an additional 5 parking spaces, Matthew Fox, engineer, explained at the November hearing.

However parking remains the top concern as 61 spaces are proposed while 69 are required by borough code. Neighboring property owners have expressed concerns about parking taking over the local streets during big events and Ramadan.

The hearing is set to continue at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25.

Also this week

The mayor and council will conduct the regular public meeting this coming Tuesday night at 8 p.m. The police promotion procedure ordinance is expected to be adopted.

Paramus Catholic High School has announced a ground breaking ceremony set for Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. for its new AstroTurf football field.

The borough's Earth Day celebration is set for this coming Sunday, April 28.