Those curious about plans for an Islamic center on 12 acres near Tidwell Road in south Forsyth can learn more at a meeting Friday night in Alpharetta.
Tareef Saeb, chairman of the Hamzah Islamic Center, said the mosque was first proposed for property off Old Alpharetta Road, but “strong opposition” from neighbors caused them to seek other options.
Center staff are in negotiations with property owners for the piece of land on Tidwell Road, where they plan to build a 21,225 square-foot building with 361 parking spaces on land currently zoned agricultural.
Hamzah Islamic Center has submitted plans to the county’s planning and development department, and the application could next go directly to the county commission.
Saeb, who organized Friday’s meeting, said he plans to discuss details of the facility at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the center’s current home, 1350 Union Hill Road.
Plans for the new religious facility also call for a gym, playground and picnic areas.
“We’re going to talk about our plans and what it’s going to look like ... and a little bit of religious background, educational stuff,” said
Saeb, adding that organizers would “address any concerns or issues neighbors may have.”
Carol Hamrick, who lives about two blocks from the proposed center, said she’ll be there.
“I’m really interested in hearing what they have to say,” Hamrick said.
Resident Brian Conway, who lives about a half mile from the potential site, said he’s concerned about traffic near the center.
“My concern is that whoever is doing this planning is looking at traffic and making sure there’s not going to be a negative impact on the people who live around this facility,” Conway said.
“It’s important that there is some community involvement if they’re going to do this, and everybody’s up front and knows what’s going to happen.”
E-mail Frank Reddy at frankreddy@forsythnews.com.
Tareef Saeb, chairman of the Hamzah Islamic Center, said the mosque was first proposed for property off Old Alpharetta Road, but “strong opposition” from neighbors caused them to seek other options.
Center staff are in negotiations with property owners for the piece of land on Tidwell Road, where they plan to build a 21,225 square-foot building with 361 parking spaces on land currently zoned agricultural.
Hamzah Islamic Center has submitted plans to the county’s planning and development department, and the application could next go directly to the county commission.
Saeb, who organized Friday’s meeting, said he plans to discuss details of the facility at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the center’s current home, 1350 Union Hill Road.
Plans for the new religious facility also call for a gym, playground and picnic areas.
“We’re going to talk about our plans and what it’s going to look like ... and a little bit of religious background, educational stuff,” said
Saeb, adding that organizers would “address any concerns or issues neighbors may have.”
Carol Hamrick, who lives about two blocks from the proposed center, said she’ll be there.
“I’m really interested in hearing what they have to say,” Hamrick said.
Resident Brian Conway, who lives about a half mile from the potential site, said he’s concerned about traffic near the center.
“My concern is that whoever is doing this planning is looking at traffic and making sure there’s not going to be a negative impact on the people who live around this facility,” Conway said.
“It’s important that there is some community involvement if they’re going to do this, and everybody’s up front and knows what’s going to happen.”
E-mail Frank Reddy at frankreddy@forsythnews.com.