Islamic Center Planned for Former Legion in Brighton

January 3, 2006

Source: The Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/01/03/veterans_profit_from_building_sale/

On January 3, 2006 The Boston Globe reported, "Just after World War II, an American Legion Post in Brighton found the perfect home: For just $500, the City of Boston sold the Mary L. Brock School, a historic building on Chestnut Hill Avenue. For almost six decades, former soldiers and sailors gathered at Post 17 for dances and for suppers of franks and beans. But as its members aged, dues payments diminished, and the building fell into disrepair. Fixing the structure was not affordable, so members hit upon an idea: Sell it and split the proceeds. The dilapidated post turned out to be a gold mine, fetching $1 million... The building has been purchased by Anwar Faisal, a businessman who says he plans to convert it to a center for Muslims that will host daily prayer sessions, lectures, and other activities. Criticism has emerged on two fronts, from those who say the veterans should not keep the money and from residents who have raised concerns about the center. The residents say the center may aggravate traffic problems, drive down property values, and cause other difficulties in a neighborhood that has seen much development."

See also: Islam, Zoning