Muslim nonprofit sues Islip zoning board over Bay Shore boarding school ruling
The United American Muslim Association purchased the property at 26 Saxton Ave. and wants to operate the Bay Shore Academy to offer Islamic schooling to 120 boys, as previously reported.
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A Muslim nonprofit is suing the Town of Islip Zoning Board of Appeals over its decision about a component of its proposed boarding school in Bay Shore.
The United American Muslim Association purchased the property at 26 Saxton Ave. and wants to operate the Bay Shore Academy to offer Islamic schooling to 120 boys, as previously reported.
In September, the town board determined that housing students on the site did not comply with zoning regulations and failed to meet accessory-use requirements.
According to the lawsuit, students lived and worshipped at the property from 1926 to 1972, when the Montfort Missionaries operated a Catholic seminary and boarding school there.
The filing argues that town code permits parochial schools in the zoning district and that before the nonprofit purchased the property, the plans examiner for the town confirmed in writing that both the school and boarding use were permitted.
The lawsuit claims that after two residents appealed the planning examiner's decision in May, the zoning board reversed its earlier determination.
The nonprofit is asking the court to annul the board's decision, arguing that allowing it to stand would prevent UAMA from operating the academy as intended and force the organization to seek discretionary approvals that could delay the school's opening by months.
In the filing, UAMA said that "the ZBA Decision must not be permitted to stand."
The organization is also seeking costs and disbursements.
A spokesperson said the town had "no comment" on the lawsuit.
