Franklin Township Board of Adjustment Hearing on Tawheed Dawah Center - April 16, 2026

The Franklin Township Zoning Board of Adjustment held a continued hearing on the application by Tawheed Dawah Center (ZBA-24-00017) for an amended preliminary and final site plan plus relief of conditions to construct a 19,350-square-foot place of worship at 630 South Middlebush Road. The meeting included testimony from the applicant's engineer, architect, and traffic engineer, as well as extensive public comment. No votes were taken; the hearing was continued to July 2, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple residents expressed concerns about traffic congestion on South Middlebush Road, stating that the 30-second average delay projected by the traffic engineer is unrealistic, especially during peak hours. One resident noted waiting 10 minutes to turn from a side street. Others questioned the accuracy of the traffic study, the lack of consideration for school buses, new developments (Catalpa Park), and emergency vehicle access.
• Several residents questioned the size of the building relative to the number of attendees (50–60 typical, 150 max), suggesting the building could accommodate future growth. The applicant's attorney responded that the prayer hall is a fixed size and cannot be expanded without board approval.
• A resident raised concerns about the prayer rug layout meeting fire codes; the architect stated the building would meet all building code requirements.
• The objector's attorney (Martina Bailey) cross-examined witnesses on parking variance justification, the larger worship area compared to the prior approved application, and the inconsistency in rug dimensions (3x3 vs 3x6 feet).

Discussion Items

• Parking and Land Banking: The applicant's engineer, Mark Ardman, presented a revised plan showing 97 constructed parking spaces (including 6 ADA) plus 60 banked spaces (designed but not paved), totaling 157 spaces. The banked spaces are intended to be used only if needed for special events (up to 150 attendees). Board members discussed whether future use of banked spaces should require board approval; the engineer clarified that the board could condition such approval. Some board members questioned why the applicant would not build the full 157 spaces to avoid a variance, but the applicant argued that providing 97 spaces is sufficient and that additional paving is unnecessary.
• Architectural Layout and Prayer Rug Dimensions: Architect Yogesh Mistree testified that the revised prayer rug layout (150 rugs, each 3x6 feet) is a realistic representation of how the space will be used, with 30-inch spacing between rows and 1-foot between columns. The initial layout (3x3 boxes) was based solely on the 458-person septic system limit. Board members questioned the origin of the 3x6 dimension and whether the prayer rugs could be smaller, but the applicant stated the size is based on their experience. The board noted that the actual occupancy limit will be determined by the building permit process.
• Traffic Impact: Traffic engineer Douglas Poliniak testified that the site would generate 30 vehicle trips in and out per prayer session (based on 60 attendees at 2 per car). The critical peak hour is 5 p.m. (1,550 vehicles on South Middlebush), and the driveway would operate at Level of Service D (30-second delay) for exiting movements. For special events with 150 attendees (50 vehicles assuming 3 per car), the level would be E, but the applicant would hire a police officer to manage traffic. Board members questioned the conservatism of the assumptions, the lack of weekend data, and the potential for one-person-per-car scenarios. The engineer noted that a separate analysis for 150 people at 2 per car (75 vehicles) was not included in the formal report but was considered. The board also discussed the possibility of a left-turn lane, but the county has not yet required one.
• Intensity of Use: Board members expressed concern that the facility would operate five times daily, seven days a week, compared to a prior approved mosque that operated only five days a month. The applicant's attorney argued that the numbers are sworn to and that any violation would be easily detected by neighbors. The board discussed the need for clear triggers for special event permits (e.g., above 100 people) and the duration of Ramadan (a month) where evening services may have 70–80 attendees.

Key Outcomes

• No decisions or votes were taken on the application.
• The hearing was continued to July 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Franklin Township Municipal Building.
• The applicant agreed to provide a written extension letter for the time limit.
• The board will hear remaining testimony from the applicant's planner (Kevin O'Brien) and cross-examination by objectors at the next meeting.
• The board indicated that conditions regarding the use of banked parking spaces and special event thresholds would be discussed further.