Owners of Masjid Al-Baqi Mosque Sue Town of Oyster Bay Over Expansion Restrictions

The owners of Masjid Al-Baqi mosque in Bethpage filed a federal lawsuit against the Town of Oyster Bay, alleging unreasonable restrictions on their expansion efforts, Newsday reported yesterday. Muslims On Long Island Inc. has sought to replace two one-story buildings with a three-story mosque to accommodate its growing congregation. The lawsuit claims the town violated state and federal laws by imposing a 2022 parking ordinance that significantly increased required parking spaces, hindering the mosque’s plans.

Town Attorney Frank Scalera dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless,” asserting that the town’s policies apply equally to all faiths. The mosque’s attorney, Muhammad Faridi, argued that the case highlights ongoing discrimination against the Muslim community. The mosque, established in 1998, has faced numerous bureaucratic hurdles, including costly resubmissions and community pressure that led to the denial of its application. Congregation members express frustration over the perceived resistance to their expansion efforts.