Muslims in West Houston Muslim American Society's Katy Center

After several years of fundraising, Muslims in the Katy and west Houston area broke ground on a $3.5 million mosque and community center that was once the focus of protests and national attention.
Plans for the Muslim American Society's Katy Center call for a two-story domed prayer area of 15,000 square feet, and an attached 8,000-square-foot multipurpose hall with gymnasium and meeting space.
The organization was expecting approval of the county permits that would allow construction to begin in early June.
Ceremonies were held May 5 at the 11-acre construction site on Baker Road, south of Kingsland Boulevard in a residential area of narrow roads and gated communities. Where a defiant next-door businessman once held Friday night pig races to demonstrate his opposition to the project, community leaders now say there are good working relationships and open lines of communications.
"It turned out to be a good experience for all of us now that we are working with each other," said Hesham Ebaid, who serves on the executive committee for the MAS Katy Center. "Things change. We work with the neighbors now. We're trying to be a good neighbor."
Janet Thomason, vice-president of the adjacent Windsor Park Estates Homeowners Association, also spoke positively of current relations.
"Nobody likes construction in their backyard, but we currently have that open communication, so I'm really hoping that everything is going to be positive," said Thomason. "We haven't had any problems. We can't complain about anything."
MAS Katy Center bought the Baker Road property in 2006, according to its website. A temporary prayer hall, or masjid, was completed in 2010, with expanded parking in 2011.
In 2007, the owner of a next-door granite and marble countertop business made national headlines with his pig races and large signs featuring a cross and Star of David. At the time, Craig Baker said he was offended that representatives of the proposed mosque had suggested his business should move out. Baker Road was named for his family, which has lived in the area since 1817.
Contacted for a comment, Baker declined to be interviewed about the past controversy, saying "Everything has been fine since they apologized."
Ebaid, a Shell Oil geophysicist who lives in nearby Windsor Park Lakes, said the MAS Katy Center has worked hard to mend those early fences, and to be more open about its plans. The center has invited neighbors to use its sports fields and other facilities, and to join in community events. Several years ago, for example, when neighbors complained that lights in the sports fields were shining in their yards at night, the lights were adjusted, he said.
"To tell you the truth, the last couple of years have been really good," Ebaid said. "I understand their concerns. I'm not aware of any problems to tell you the truth."
Ebaid said the center will serve a growing Muslim population. An existing building on the site has been remodeled into a licensed pre-school. Portables house a virtual academic center and a religious school, he said.
The center already provides 350 parking spaces, as well as updated drainage and septic systems.
Construction will take from two to three years, Ebaid said.

Once the Focus of Protests, $3.5 Million Katy Mosque Breaks Ground


Compiled From News Reports · May 31, 2012 · Comments Off

Local News · After several years of fundraising, Muslims in the Katy and west Houston area broke ground on a $3.5 million mosque and community center that was once the focus of protests and national attention.

Plans for the Muslim American Society’s Katy Center call for a two-story domed prayer area of 15,000 square feet, and an attached 8,000-square-foot multipurpose hall with gymnasium and meeting space.

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/katy-news/article/Mosque-breaks-ground-3593513.php

http://globalmbreport.org/?m=201206

http://muslimmedianetwork.com/mmn/