Supporters of a proposed mosque in unincorporated DuPage County near Willowbrook overcame a hurdle Tuesday when a committee voted in favor of their plans.
Last month, the county’s Zoning Board recommended rejecting the request to build the Muslim Educational Cultural Center of America (MECCA).
But the Community Development Committee voted 5-1 in favor of the plan despite opposition from some residents who live near the proposed site.
At Tuesday’s meeting, some of those who object to the mosque urged committee members to consider possible negative impacts on their neighborhood.
“This is a matter strictly about zoning,” said Diana Cornett, who opposes the mosque and rejected any notion that such concerns were related to religion.
Dozens on both sides of the proposal voiced their views to committee members. The mosque would include a school and recreation center.
William Waldack, a commissioner for the village of Downers Grove was among those in support of MECCA’s proposal.
“Churches provide community,” he said.
The DuPage County Board is expected to vote on the proposal at 10 a.m. next Tuesday.
