Plans for Allston Islamic Center Draw Concerns from Residents

December 9, 2005

Source: The Allston-Brighton TAB

http://www2.townonline.com/allston/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=386996&format=text

On December 9, 2005 The Allston-Brighton TAB reported, "Muslim developers proposing an Islamic Center at the American Legion building at 186 Chestnut Hill Ave. drew a surprising number of objections from neighbors at the John J. Carroll community room, packed with 50 people and a Christmas tree. Meeting Monday to discuss two development proposals, the Chestnut Hill Avenue Taskforce got more than it bargained for in a three-hour meeting that had sentiments running high - not all of them positive. Boston University professor and longtime Allston resident Abder Mohamed waxed eloquent on the values that Islam propagates, with a quote from the Koran, in his bid for a local Islamic Center at the American Legion building... His speech was cut short for questions and comments, and some of residents were upset... [One resident expressed that] his main concern is the traffic a cultural center will bring... Veterans underlined their concerns for the historical nature of the building, one that they have used for many years and one that has ties to the Kennedy name. It was named the John F. Kennedy American Legion Post in his honor. [Co-presenter Stephen Dirrane] agreed to maintain all of the Legion's archives and provided the veterans with meeting space, as long as no drugs or alcohol were involved. A flag in the front of the building would serve as a reminder of its historic past, as well... Mohamed said they have no plans to build a mosque there, and that it would remain a cultural center that was open to every community group."