Iowa: Controversy over North Liberty City Officials Plan to Lease Land Intended for Muslim Youth Camp

December 18, 2002

Source: The Associated Press

On December 18, 2002 The Associated Press reported that "[North Liberty, Iowa]City officials say they will consider leasing 106 acres of federal land on Coralville Lake in an attempt to block a plan to develop a Muslim youth camp on the property. The City Council voted Tuesday to pursue a lease jointly with Johnson County officials, who also have voiced concerns about the camp and conference center proposed by the Muslim Youth Camps of America. County officials also agreed Tuesday to explore a joint lease. The land is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and for decades served as a summer retreat for Girl Scouts. But the wooded parcel overlooking the manmade reservoir has been vacant since a 1990 fire destroyed the rustic camp lodge. City and county officials say the camp and its buildings would add to the cost of providing emergency service, road maintenance, sewer and other government services."