The dispute between the Noor Islamic Cultural Center and Hilliard City Council over a proposed multi-purpose facility continues to intensify, with the potential for a legal showdown looming. The council's rejection of a necessary zoning change halted the center's plans to renovate a vacant office building into a space that would include a school, daycare, and space for worship. In a statement obtained by NBC4i, Hilliard City Councilmember Les Carrier expressed a certain sympathy with the Islamic group's situation, saying, "We didn't treat them very well... I think it's on us as leaders and us as a city personnel to help them be successful, because that makes us successful."
At the core of the deadlock is the center's intention to dedicate only 9% of the 220,000 sq. ft. building for religious activities, which, as a nonprofit religious space, would not generate the same tax revenue as commercial office space. The city maintains that the property's permitted use has not changed since Noor's purchase, pointing out the necessity to consider City regulations and the Community Plan. This point was reiterated in the council's statement, insisting, "No rights have been taken from Noor," as reported by WBNS.
On the other hand, the Noor Islamic Cultural Center believes that their proposal has been unfairly rejected by the city, hinting at a deeper issue of religious freedom. Ronney Abaza, the center's chairman, expressed the community's readiness to fight for their rights in court if necessary, noting that they are "not giving up" and aiming to see their plans to fruition. According to an abc6, Abaza said, "We can't help but feel that we were mistreated, that it wasn't just what was being asked but who was asking."
Despite the ongoing negotiations over the last ten months, no agreement has been reached. The city claims it has negotiated in good faith and even offered to accommodate up to 56,000 sq. ft. of the space for school and event activities, a gesture that Noor supposedly rejected. Noor disputes the city's version of events, with board members saying that negotiations have not been constructive and that the city's unwillingness to budge remains the major hurdle. "Why would we reach out to someone who’s told us that ‘we are not negotiating?’” Abaza told NBC4i.com. Both sides seem to have entrenched themselves, with the city suggesting that Noor submit a new development plan. At the same time, the center draws up paperwork for litigation, hoping for a resolution before escalating to the courtroom.
