Oshkosh clears the way for a new mosque. The Oshkosh City Council Tuesday unanimously approved a Muslim group’s request to convert a funeral home to a mosque.
Khurram Ahmad, President of the Oshkosh chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, told WRN he was “pleasantly surprised” by the decision given last minute opposition that sprang up online. He said a further look at the comments on a local newspaper’s website revealed only a few people trying to make “more noise.”
Nearby homeowners are concerned about potential traffic and noise at the facility which will be used up to 18 hours a day.
“We’re not denying it. We’re not saying it’s wrong but it’s really hardship for the neighborhood,” said Forest Ware at the Tuesday meeting.
Ahmad said they are taking numerous steps to address concerns including setting up a privacy fence on two sides of the property.
He doesn’t believe there are any cultural fears surrounding Islam at play saying they’ve been successful in outreach to the community.
Oshkosh joins other Wisconsin communities like Green Bay and the Town of Wilson where proposed mosques this year have brought some opposition.