Traffic Study Results

In January, TDOT crews conduct a traffic study near the proposed site of the new building. This comes at the request of Republican Senator Jim Tracy and on behalf of citizens who allege the new site will cause traffic concerns at the intersection of Bradyville and Veals Road.

The outcome showed thast ICM will not have enough impact to require a traffic light or lane widenning.

Opponents of ICM march again

Opponents of ICM’s expansion re-emerge in March as a small sign-wielding group of protesters on the square while a related lawsuit returns to court.

CNN Airs: Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door Airs

The proposed expansion of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro also becomes the focus of a one hour CNN documentary titled, “Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door.” The documentary features CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien. The segment focuses on local controversy as well the country’s growing fear of Islam after the September 11 attacks.

It aird in March 2011.

Watch Brief Version

Suit against Rutherford County Expands

The lawsuit seeking to stop construction of ICM from 2010 adds 14 new plaintiffs to the case in April.

Sensitivity Training Held

On May 3rd, sensitivity training is held for local law enforcement agents, school district leaders, and Sheriff departments. (Explain what this is about and/or why it was conducted.) The training is conducted by Lubna Ismail of Connecting Cultures. It is sponsored by the Department of Justice.

Judge Decides

On May 9th, Chancellor Corlew dismisses all but one plaintiff’s claims in the lawsuit. The only claim that remains is that of the county violating the state’s Open Meeting law by not providing “proper notice” to residents in regard to development plans.

ICM Issued Building Permit

Days later the ICM is issued a building permit to begin construction on the actual building after finishing other site work and completing work on the parking area.

New Legal Motion Filed to Stop ICM

Attorney Joe Brandon Jr. who represented 17 plaintiffs against the county government’s site plan approval, files a motion asking Chancellor Robert Corlew to “revise and clarify” his ruling. The motion hinges on the claim that mosque foes failed to prove the worship center would cause them harm. Attached is a memorandum in support of the motion.

ICM Wins

By August, a decision has been made. Chancellor Corlew decides to uphold his May ruling, asserting ICM’s right by law to build a new and expanded place of worship, although a path is left open for opponents to continue their efforts in court.

ICM Building Groundbreaking

On September 20th 2011, and after 20 years of meeting in homes and offices, the ICM celebrates breaking ground at its future home on Veals Road.

This, despite numerous setbacks, including community opposition to the center, legal battles, and attacks on Islam itself make this a truly proud moment for its members. Nonetheless, four relentless protesters gather next door to the ceremony at Grace Baptist Church.

Bomb Threat to ICM

Local police and federal Homeland Security agents investigate threats to blow up ICM on September 11.

ICM Challenged Legally Again

In October, construction of ICM is challenged again by plaintiffs who claim the county’s Planning Commission did not give adequate notice to the public before the open meeting in May of 2009 in which the worship center was approved. A trial date is set for April of the following year.

Meanwhile that month, a lawsuit against Rutherford County and mayor Earnest Burgess claiming a violation of sunshine laws is dismissed by a local judge.