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Generally cloudy. High 37F. Winds light and variable..
Cloudy. Low 31F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: December 25, 2024 @ 3:19 am
Representatives of the Chagrin Valley Islamic Center first came before the city to approve a temporary religious use in the commercial zoning district. Last week, they returned to city council with words of thanks.
Masroor Malik, a Solon resident, opened with an Arabic greeting often used by Muslims: “Asalam-o-Alaikum,” which means “peace be on to you.”
Mr. Malik thanked council for granting the Islamic center’s request for the variance to use the Station Street property as its temporary headquarters. The center is leasing the building at 33725 Station St. until funds are raised to build a mosque on vacant land on Liberty Road.
“We are so proud to be part of the Solon community,” he said. “We feel that Solon is one of the most diverse and engaging communities in Northeast Ohio.”
Mr. Malik noted Councilman Edward H. Kraus’ comments following the meeting, where approval was granted, as he welcomed the Islamic center that the city is known and celebrated for its diversity.
“Those words really resonate with us as an organization and as community members,” he said. “We are honored to be a part of this great city for the past few decades, and we are excited to see the support of the city council.”
In speaking of members of the center, many of whom reside in Solon, Mr. Malik said, “as individual citizens, we have always contributed to the betterment of our city and schools, and now as an organization, we bring diversity, loyalty and good citizenship. We are law-abiding citizens who appreciate the city’s support of our patriotic right to free assembly and our right to religious freedom.”
The support from council “revives our faith in this great country’s democratic process, and we really appreciate that our views were not only heard, but that our variance was also approved,” he said.
The center’s approval had contingencies that addressed some of nearby businesses’ concerns regarding parking and trash.
“Our moral and religious teachings guide us to always be kind, considerate and compassionate to others, especially our neighbors,” Mr. Malik said. “Although it will be a hardship on our CVIC members, we have made all the necessary arrangements to comply with the contingencies put into place.”
Mr. Malik reminded council that the center has moved its Friday prayers out of the Station Street location to Signature of Solon’s clubhouse. Additionally, the landlord has been asked to provide an outside, dedicated trash container.
“We hope that our neighbors will be welcoming to us as we strive to build strong relationships with them,” he said.
As the center takes steps toward building its permanent site on Liberty Road, “We are looking forward to strengthening our ties to the great City of Solon and increasing our working relationship with the council,” he said. “We are enthusiastic and eager about our future endeavors together.”
Councilman Richard A. Bell thanked Mr. Malik for his comments and the center’s members for their “patience and your good will.”
“I appreciate how you explained yourself so professionally and calmly,” Mr. Bell said. “You are gentlemen.”
“We work as a team,” Mr. Kraus said, “and we welcome you to the team.”
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