SAYREVILLE, N.J. — A religious land-use dispute has escalated into a federal case after Sayreville’s Planning Board denied approvals for a proposed mosque despite extended hearings, design changes, and extensive conditions agreed to by the applicants.
In a 75-page federal complaint filed Nov. 21, Masjid Sadar, Inc. and Shameer Properties allege that the borough violated their civil rights by blocking construction of a house of worship through what they describe as “burdensome, discriminatory and unreasonable land use regulations and conduct.” The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
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According to the complaint, Masjid Sadar intended to develop a new religious facility at 212, 214, and 216 Ernston Road in Parlin, using a lease agreement with an option to purchase the property once approvals were secured.
The project underwent seven public hearings across 13 months, during which the organization accepted 24 conditions of approval, as well as multiple waivers and variances requested by the board. Despite these concessions, Sayreville still denied the application, prompting the lawsuit.
Sayreville officials have declined to comment on the litigation.
Masjid Sadar began hosting services on the site in September 2021, with roughly 60 attendees meeting in a shuttered law office, court documents state. Attendance grew quickly, increasing the demand for a dedicated worship space.
As the congregation expanded, the borough issued more than $700,000 in fines against the organization for what it described as unpermitted “tents” and other code violations. The borough also executed a stop construction order, which the complaint claims further obstructed religious practice.
The initial proposal called for a three-story, 36,552-square-foot building, but the congregation later reduced it to 25,363 square feet, attempting to comply with zoning regulations such as impervious surface limits. The lawsuit contends that even after downsizing, the board’s review process became increasingly unreasonable.
The complaint cites instances where Masjid Sadar was required to answer “unusual” questions that applicants for other houses of worship allegedly are not asked. These included requests to:
The board also raised concerns over parking capacity. In response, Masjid Sadar reduced the occupancy of prayer spaces, leased nearby parking, and agreed to provide parking lifts.
The complaint states that borough officials were made aware of derogatory online comments about Muslims on community message boards — messages that the lawsuit says reflected local hostility toward the project and to which officials were “responsive.”
Attorneys for Sayreville now have 21 days to respond to the lawsuit in federal court.
Originally reported by NJ.Com.
