Lexington board allows Islamic center on site

January 31, 2015

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — After a lengthy debate focusing on traffic issues, Lexington’s Board of Adjustment has voted to allow an Islamic community center on a nine-acre site.

The Lexington Herald-Leader (http://bit.ly/1zIcf94 ) reports the city’s existing Islamic Center applied for a conditional use permit for a worship center on the site, currently zoned agricultural. The planned three-story building would include prayer space, a gym and a walking track.

Several neighbors spoke against the plan Friday.

Mark Jeffers, a vice president of the River Park Neighborhood Association, said adding more traffic would create more potential for traffic accidents.

He said neighbors near the property have complained about problems with stormwater runoff.

Chris McCoy, an architect who represents the Islamic Center, said the traffic impact would be minimal. Religious services would be Friday afternoons, just after lunch.

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Information from: Lexington Herald-Leader, http://www.kentucky.com