HILLIARD, Ohio — The Noor Islamic Cultural Center has initiated a federal lawsuit against Hilliard, claiming discrimination led to the denial of their plan to repurpose a vacant office building into a mixed-use facility. The center had purchased the former BMW building on Britton Parkway early in the previous year, with visions of converting it into a space that would house offices, a restaurant, and a community center to serve the local mosque and its affiliates.
This legal challenge comes after the Hilliard Planning Commission, in November, turned down the zoning changes requested by the center, a move that Joe Miller, the attorney for the Noor Islamic Cultural Center and the building, called a blatant example of discriminatory land use. "In over 25 years of practicing law, I’ve never seen a more blatant act of discrimination," Miller stated. He urged the Hilliard community to challenge the city’s administration and support the cultural center’s cause.
Miller elaborated that the cultural center was reluctant to engage in legal battles, instead aiming to revitalize the structure to benefit both the city and its residents. Nevertheless, he noted that the city had consistently placed obstacles in their path, leading to this decisive action in federal court. The lawsuit contends that the commission’s decision not only contradicts Hilliard’s internal zoning laws but also breaches federal statutes designed to prevent such discrimination.
When approached, Hilliard officials had yet to review the latest lawsuit details or the statements made during the press conference. David Ball, Hilliard’s Community Relations Director, responded by referencing a statement from November, highlighting the city’s commitment to diversity and its attempts over ten months to negotiate with the Noor group. According to Ball, the city had gone to considerable lengths to adapt to Noor’s changing plans, at one point allowing the use of 56,000 square feet for educational and event purposes, accommodating both religious and secular activities.
Ball further noted that Noor retains the option to propose a new development strategy that would be in sync with the community’s planning goals. He reaffirmed the city’s dedication to finding a solution that would unlock the full potential of the building for the advantage of all Hilliard residents.
This legal conflict reflects ongoing national conversations about religious freedom, zoning laws, and local governance, spotlighting the challenges faith-based organizations often face when attempting to establish or expand their facilities in various communities.
This article was generated by OpenAI. Facts, names, and the storyline may be subject to inaccuracies. Requests for corrections or retractions can be sent to [email protected].