Tippecanoe APC approves Islamic Center site plans

Members of the Hawthorne Ridge Neighborhood Association are raising concerns about a possible Islamic Center in the unincorporated area of Tippecanoe County.

The facility is proposed for the intersection of county roads 500 North and 50 West, north of West Lafayette.

Association President Tom Fackleman says that type of project could disturb the current landscape of the community, and might cause drainage problems.

Abdul Sankari is with the Islamic Society of Greater Lafayette, which wants to build the center. He says there are plans in place to address these worries.

Initially the building will serve as a community center, but developers say they may add an elementary school and mosque in the future. The project received initial approval from the Tippecanoe Area Plan Commission. 

It heads to the county commission for final approval in January. If approved, officials with the Islamic Society say they hope to have the center up and running within the year.