The heated debate surrounding the proposed Muslim school for boys in Islip has sparked a passionate response from the community, with an overflow crowd of 600 people packing the town meeting hall to voice their opposition. This controversy highlights the complex interplay between religious institutions, local zoning laws, and the potential impact on the neighborhood's character. The core issue revolves around the sale of a 13-acre property on Saxon Avenue, previously owned by the Roman Catholic Montfort Missionaries, to a Muslim group associated with the Suleymaniye mosque in Dix Hills.
The Montforts, who founded the facility in 1926 as a minor seminary for teenage boys considering the priesthood, closed it in 1972. In recent decades, it served as a retreat house and headquarters for the Montfort order. The sale to the Muslim group has raised concerns about the potential disruption to the neighborhood's character and the impact on traffic. Pat Montanino, a 70-year-old resident of East Islip, expressed her worries, stating, 'It's going to disrupt the character of the neighborhood. It doesn’t fit.'
However, the lawyer representing the Muslim group, Samuel L. Bifulco, dismissed residents' concerns, arguing that the property has the proper zoning and that the existing building has operated as a boarding school for decades. He emphasized that the school would house a maximum of 120 students and 20 staff members, with only 10 teachers commuting, thus minimizing traffic. Bifulco also noted that the zoning laws permit a church, mosque, or synagogue accommodating 1,300 people, and the school would be the most 'responsible' use of the property.
The controversy extends beyond the immediate concerns of the neighborhood. The Montforts faced a similar challenge when they attempted to sell the property to Sunrise Senior Living for an assisted living facility. This plan was met with resistance from residents, and the Islip Town Zoning Board ultimately rejected Sunrise's application for a zoning change. The battle over the property lasted eight years, according to Rev. Thomas Poth, the provincial of the Montforts in the United States. This historical context adds a layer of complexity to the current debate, suggesting that the issue is deeply rooted in the town's history and the evolving relationship between religious institutions and local communities.
In my opinion, this case highlights the ongoing tension between religious institutions and local communities, particularly in the context of zoning laws and land use. It raises questions about the role of religious organizations in the community and the extent to which their activities should be regulated. The passionate response from the residents underscores the importance of considering the cultural and social fabric of a neighborhood when making decisions about land use. As the debate continues, it is crucial to strike a balance between accommodating religious institutions and preserving the character and well-being of the surrounding community.
