TEMECULA, Calif. (AP) - A planning commission in Southern California has unanimously approved plans for a mosque after a contentious 5 1/2-hour meeting that included more than 80 speakers.
The Temecula Planning Commission on Wednesday night granted a permit and development plan for the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley. The 25,000-square-foot two-story building would be built on the outskirts of the Riverside County city.
Many speakers at the commission's meeting focused on noise and traffic, but a consultant's study found the mosque would not worsen traffic.
Opponents picketed for two hours before the meeting.
After the vote, commissioners admonished some mosque opponents for rude behavior and hateful language.
A hearing would likely be held next month if the commission's decision is appealed to the City Council.
