Hoover Community Center Project

Due to the growth of Islamic Academy of Alabama and the Muslim community, BIS recognizes the need to expand its facilities. The principle criterion, as defined by the BIS new community center search committee, is geographic proximity to the majority of Muslims in Birmingham. Hoover, Alabama (which is situated 10-miles south of downtown Birmingham, Alabama) has been identified as the ideal area to locate a community center. BIS has contracted to purchase an existing 13,000 square feet church facility situated on approximately 6.5 acres. Upon acquisition of this facility, BIS desires to expand the parking area and construct additional square footage to facilitate the needs of the community.

BIS has retained the services of an architectural firm to design a Masjid and a Community Center that meets the functionality list approved by the Muslim general body. The project has been divided in to three phases to ease the financial burden on the Muslim community.

Alhamdo lillah, on May 15th, 2006, in the standing room only Chamber, the City of Hoover Council gave final approval to the expansion of Point of Grace Church in to the City’s first Mosque. The City approval was amidst significant objections from the neighborhood. The professional team of Architects, Traffic Engineers and Attorney retained by the Muslim Community were able to counter the arguments put forth by the neighbors from a technical standpoint. This City Council approval was preceded by an approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission which also required a variance from the Board of Zoning Adjustments from an obscure city ordinance of road with requirement of 25 feet. Many neighbors came forward in support of the project and helped the Muslims fight the stereotype that was very obvious in some of the baseless objections that were raised by some of the neighbors. Some City Council members and audience spoke in favor of the Muslims based on their experience with them as co-workers and neighbors.

One of the objections was the crookedness of the Hackberry Lane and the additional traffic that will be generated by the Muslims especially on Friday for Jummah Salat.

Insha Allah, we are determined to be the ideal Muslim neighbors and will participate in the safety of the children in the Muslim community and the community at large. One of the ways we can do that is to utilize the road to the south of the property to avoid the several curves on the north. We must be extra vigilant and obey all traffic laws and slow down to the safe speed. Remember that when people spoke in our favor had positive experience with us as individuals. A negative experience will only to serve as their continued abhor towards Islam and Muslims.