By Ben Morgan and FOX23.com News Staff
The Broken Arrow Planning Commission voted to approve the rezoning request to turn 15 acres of land just south of the Creek Turnpike along Olive Avenue from agricultural use to commercial and conditional use, allowing for a retail center and a mosque to be built on the site.
The topic was contentious with over 60 people signing up to speak at Thursday’s planning commission meeting.
Opinions in the room were greatly varied.
“This is a Christian nation,” said one resident. “Islam is incompatible with Christianity. Islam is incompatible with our Constitution.”
Another resident disagreed, saying, “Approving this project sends a message, a message that says the City of Broken Arrow is a city where diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace.”
After hours of public comment, the Planning Commission voted to approve the rezoning request.
