WESTBOROUGH – A one-time day-care center is in the process of becoming an Islamic center.
Representatives from the Boroughs Islamic Society came before the Select Board during its March 16 meeting.
Currently at 182 Turnpike Road, the masjid (mosque) began in March 2021, and it currently has 250 worshippers per week.
When the Turnpike Road site went up for sale, the Boroughs Islamic Society purchased 6 Bellows Road, a 6,000-square-foot facility. A new sprinkler system is being installed, and the former playground is being removed in order to create more parking.
The mosque would include prayer halls, a babysitting room, a kitchen and a public area.
“It is a very good, developed plan,” said Town Planner Jim Robbins.
“It’s certainly checked the requirements,” added Select Board member Shelby Marshall.
One issue remaining on the checklist – parking. The site will have 87 parking spaces, but the mosque needs more, since it anticipates up to 400 worshippers during weekly services.
According to Robbins, the adjacent post office has agreed to let the center use some of its back lot.
Select Board member Patrick Welch voiced concerns about traffic on Bellows Road, which is off Route 9, as well as whether there will be charging stations for electric vehicles.
A site plan review is under way with the Planning Board and the Building Department.
For information on the Boroughs Islamic Society, visit https://boroughsislamicsociety.com/Default.aspx.
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