As expected, McKinney City Council members unanimously approved plans for a proposed mosque amid concerns from citizens about the impact of the development on the surrounding community as well as Islamic sharia law practices.
Prior to council’s Tuesday night vote, about 150 people spoke—a mix of supporters and opponents of the mosque plan—during a long and sometimes rowdy meeting that overflowed city hall.
Councilman Patrick Cloutier had previously stated that members would approve the plan, explaining during a July 21 meeting council members’ “ministerial” duty under city law to allow property developments that meet established zoning requirements.
City administrators also spoke Tuesday night, explaining their process for reviewing and approving the submitted mosque plans.
Lucas Raley, McKinney’s director of city planning, said most site plans are administratively approved and do not come before planning and zoning or council for a vote.
