Author: Caroline Cornish

Source: WCSH6

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=108131&catid=2

The city of Portland and the Maine Civil Liberties Union plan to negotiate through the weekend, as their feud continues over a proposed mosque on Washington Avenue.

Nawad and Sadri Shir bought the former TV repair shop three years ago, and have been converting it into a place of worship for Afghani and Pakistani muslims.

But the city said the space runs afoul of zoning requirements, citing issues with parking, and the size of the lot. The MCLU filed suit Thursday, saying the city is infringing on the Muslim community's freedom of religion.