COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The City of Coldwater Planning Commission approved a special use permit request Monday night from the American Moslem Society so that they can use a Place of Worship in a A-2 One and Two Family Residential zoning district but no action was taken on a proposed site plan.
The proposed two story building, which would contain a mosque and language school, would be constructed at the current site of the American Moslem Society’s cultural center at 129 Perkins.
Action on the site plan will have to take place at a later time. According to City Planner Dean Walrack, there is not enough information at this time to review it.
Walrack said in his report that the staff has not been able to adequately review the soil erosion and sedimentation control as well as storm water plans or the right-of-way facilities.
He said they will work on the applicantion, but right now they did not have a site plan that was “approveable”.
Traffic and parking have been among the concerns raised. Walrack said current plans call for 81 parking spaces.
Professional Consulting Company of Detroit has drawn up the plans. The company’s Rick Najib says the peak day would be Friday when services are conducted.
Mayor Tom Kramer motioned for approval of the special use permit, saying the Muslim population is an important part of the community.
Walrack pointed out the place of worship use will be the primary function of the site. The education function would be limited to weekends and only deal with religious and cultural studies.
