Big crowd, big questions as Wayne mosque plan advances
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE - The next public haring on a controversial plan to build an Islamic temple on Colfax Road is scheduled for June 1. [2026]
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The proposal now under review by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, calls for a 43,300-square-foot community center and mosque with enough space on its ground floor and mezzanine for 468 prayer mats. Its antitheses would include an art museum, cafe and library.
..... The wooded property at 225 Colfax Road is in a residential neighborhood, and houses of worship are conditionally permitted in that zone.
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There were so many people in attendance for the first hearing that the zoning board had to suspend action and set up a screening room in the offices of the Health & Welfare Department.
..... Zoning broad members said they will be prepared if another crowd from for the second hearing, which will start at 7:30 PM. in the municipal courtroom.
..... All township meetings are broadcast Online and on public access TV channels 44 and 77.
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Ipray House Incorporated, a local nonprofit, owns the 9.7-acre property and has planned the mosque construction since September 2021. Its website states that the grassroots mission began when families shared their ideas aorta a kitchen table.
..... Gazmend Aga, an imam who advised Ipray House on the project, will continue answering questions at the next hearing.
..... Aga, the chairman of Wayne Clergy council, an interfaith group of religious leaders, testified on April 20 [2026] that the mosque would be "like a beautiful flower, added to the other beautiful flowers in this town.
..... The hearing process may take several months. Further testimony is anticipated form an architect, civil engineer, a professional planner and a traffic engineer.