Oyster Bay Mosque Expansion Faces Renewed Legal Challenge

The dispute centers on MOLI\'s proposal to expand the Masjid Al-Baqi mosque in Bethpage. After a six-year process, the town initially denied MOLI\'s application, citing concerns about traffic, parking, and neighborhood character. MOLI filed a federal lawsuit, alleging the town violated federal religious land use laws. In August 2025, a settlement was reached, requiring the town to approve MOLI\'s land-use application and pay \$3.95 million in attorney fees and costs. However, the Town Board withdrew from the settlement, leading MOLI to request the court to proceed with the trial.\n\nThe town\'s attorney, Frank Scalera, stated the decision was based on traffic safety and parking concerns, citing high accident rates at the intersection of Central and Stewart Avenues. MOLI\'s counsel, Muhammad Faridi, argued that the town\'s reversal was due to anti-Muslim backlash and racist commentary online. The U.S. Department of Justice previously weighed in, arguing that the town’s parking code treated religious institutions less favorably than secular uses.\n\nThe case is Muslims on Long Island et al. v. The Town of Oyster Bay et al., case number 2:25-cv-00428, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

The town cited traffic safety and parking concerns near the proposed mosque expansion site.

MOLI claims the town’s decision was influenced by anti-Muslim sentiment and online backlash.

The DOJ filed a statement of interest supporting MOLI, arguing the town’s parking code unfairly targeted religious institutions.

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