Heated moments arise at Vacaville neighborhood meeting over proposed Islamic Center
By Peyton Headlee
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VACAVILLE, Calif. (KCRA) — The Islamic Center in Vacaville is hoping to build a new 6,600-square-foot, three story mosque to address the community’s growth, sparking mixed reactions from residents during a meeting at the McBride Senior Center.
The current Islamic Center is a green house on the corner of Bush Street near Monte Vista Avenue.
“As our community has grown, so has the need for a larger and more accommodating mosque,” said the architect, Rob Sesar, during a presentation at a neighborhood meeting about the proposed build.
He presented detailed plans for the mosque, including its proposed height, number of parking spaces, and usage.
He also addressed concerns from neighbors, particularly about noise, stating, “There will be no external speakers or amplified sound methods used at the proposed Islamic center.”
As far as concerns about parking, he said the mosque will have 37 parking spaces on site to serve peak prayers and events.
Community members expressed both concerns and support during the meeting.
One resident noted, “The tower is over 60 feet tall. There is nothing compatible with 60 feet and higher in that same area.”
Another emphasized the importance of worship, saying, “We just want to be able to worship just like everyone else worships in the community.”
Others called for further studies, with one community member stating, “We do need to do a traffic impact study. We need to do an environmental impact study on noise ordinance and how that’s going to effect the community and how does this fit in with what Vacaville has a master plan.”
Another saw the proposal as an opportunity for engagement, saying, “I think this is an opportunity for the Muslim community to engage with our neighbors but it’s also an opportunity for our neighbors to engage and learn from the Muslim community.”
The city explained that the meeting is part of the development review process, aiming to provide community members with a clearer picture of the proposal, to answer questions, and gain feedback.
“We’re trying to handle this project in a manner that is respectful of the community that’s proposing it as well as the community of Vacaville and it’s like we would do with any other church or other religious use,” Erin Morris said.
Next steps involve staff continuing to evaluate the project, including environmental assessments and traffic studies. The proposal will go first to the planning commission for a formal hearing, but if community members or proponents aren’t happy with the decision, it could be appealed to council for a final decision.
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