St. Anthony tables vote on mosque, community center

The St. Anthony City Council on Tuesday delayed its vote to consider a zoning request that would allow a former bank building to be used for a mosque and Islamic youth center.

After a discussion lasting more than two hours, the council unanimously decided to postpone any vote until its Oct. 22 meeting. Several council members said they were conflicted about approving the request for the project when St. Anthony has a “dearth” of affordable housing and stated a desire to preserve the property for such a use.

“We want to continue to be a welcoming place,” said Mayor Wendy Webster. “We also need housing that’s available to differing incomes.”

The Tibyan Center bought the former Bremer Bank property on the 2400 block of Lowry Avenue NE. with plans to renovate the building. The site once had been slated to become a 76-unit housing project, but it did not move forward, according to a memo on Tuesday’s City Council agenda and packet.

St. Anthony’s Planning Commission approved the Tibyan request, though some residents expressed concerns about traffic and parking needs. The city’s zoning ordinance allows for religious assemblies on the property.

Since May, when the Tibyan Center’s plans became known, vandals struck at least eight times and did significant damage. Thieves also stole computers and other items.

But the center is still planning to open once the city gives its final approval.