Delray Beach residents gathered Friday for a public hearing on the proposed Islamic center and school slated for the Agriculture Reserve. While some voiced strong opposition, several faith leaders stepped forward to ask the community to lower the temperature of the debate and trust the county’s zoning process.
Rabbi urges understanding
David Steinhardt, rabbi emeritus of B’nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton, told the crowd that his long‑standing relationship with the leadership of the Islamic Center of Boca Raton spans more than two decades. “I have known those people for over 20 years and they are good people,” Steinhardt said, noting his involvement in interfaith dialogue for more than three decades.
Steinhardt warned that fear and unfamiliarity often fuel suspicion. “When people have fear, when they don’t know each other and become suspicious, that’s what happens,” he explained, urging residents to avoid treating the issue as a battle.
Commissioner points to zoning process
Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs responded over the weekend, writing on Facebook that the “root of the problem is an outdated zoning process.” She encouraged anyone concerned about development on the Agriculture Reserve to email all seven county commissioners, noting that any change would require a vote from the full board.
Steinhardt echoed the need for patience, saying, “We have to pull back a little bit. The zoning commission, under Commissioner Sachs’s leadership, must take charge, and we must respect their authority.” He added that the commission should also engage directly with residents who feel deeply worried.
Community context
The Islamic center and school received approval for construction in 2023, but many local residents say they are only now learning the details of the plan. The meeting reflected broader concerns about land use on the Agriculture Reserve, a protected area intended for farming and open space.
Faith leaders emphasized that the discussion should focus on the merits of the zoning proposal rather than broader geopolitical issues. “The response seems to have been evoked by larger issues that go on in the world without a knowledge of the local community,” Steinhardt said. “We do not have to respond as a local community, as if we are at war.”
Looking ahead
Commissioner Sachs has indicated that the county will hold additional public hearings as the zoning commission reviews the project. Residents are encouraged to submit written comments and attend future meetings to ensure their voices are heard within the established process.
By fostering respectful dialogue and trusting the county’s planning mechanisms, local clergy hope the community can move forward together, honoring both religious freedom and responsible land stewardship.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
