Major Ridge Rd. development moves one step closer to approval
A rendering of the Muslim Educational Community Center of America mosque proposed for Ridge Road.
During Monday night’s Canton Township Planning Commission meeting, a proposed 48,000-square-foot Muslim Educational Community Center of America facility took a giant step toward being constructed on 11 acres of grassy area just east of Ridge Road.
Following a recommendation to approve the proposal from the township’s planning department, planning commissioners voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a special land use for the religious institution at 6200 N. Ridge Rd., between Ford and Hanford roads.
MECCA’s first appearance before the planning commission ended with the proposal being tabled so the applicant could make suggested adjustments from commissioners to its initial plans.
The special land use application will now move to the Canton Township Board of Trustees for review as early as the June 24 meeting.
Planning Dept.: Plans meet requirements
Despite vehement objections from residents who live next to or near the proposed site of the mosque, commissioners concurred with the recommendation of the Canton Township Planning Department, which asserted the applicant’s proposal “meets the Special Land Use criteria of the Zoning Ordinance pursuant to the information and plans provided and staff’s analysis of Section 27.03(C), subject to the items noted in this review being addressed and/or corrected at the time of Site Plan Review and subject to all State, County, and Township requirements.”
Would-be neighbors of the mosque argued that the development would worsen an already congested traffic situation during peak usage times of Ridge Rd. and create traffic back-ups on Ford Road, which is located just south of the site.
They also shared concerns about lighting and the potential disruptive impact the mosque would have on what is currently a tranquil setting.
Changes coming to lights, roads
In its report to the planning commissioners, the planning department stated: In many areas of Canton, religious institutions abut residential areas and are often compatible if they comply with the Zoning Ordinance standards for lighting, noise, etc.
Among the changes coming to the vicinity of the proposed mosque would be a six-second traffic light adjustment at the intersection of Ridge and Ford roads to alleviate back-ups; and an additional lane would also be added on the part of Ridge Road that runs adjacent to the development.
The applicant has future plans to apply for a school and day care at the facility.
The applicant must also lower the height of the mosque’s dome from the planned 65 feet to 55 feet in order to meet regulations.
A ‘spiritual, educational and social’ place
In its Project Narrative Statement attached to the application, MECCA explained it aims to meet the needs of the Shia Muslim community in Canton with a focus on family centered spiritual, educational and social activities.
MECCA’s hours of operation vary throughout the year, the narrative stated, with Friday noon being the time for weekly community prayer, which is an hour-long service.
To view the comprehensive application, click here.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
