After several hours of discussion and comments from the local community, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors earlier today unanimously approved for expansion of the Dar Al Noor mosque on Hoadly Road.

According to the proposal, the mosque will expand from to approximately 88,276 square feet and add 450 parking spaces. In addition, this will allow the mosque to build additional prayer rooms, a childcare center, private school, and a multi-purpose banquet hall among others. However, one caveat was that the occupancy permit will not be granted until February 3, 2022. This was proposed by Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega (R) in order to have work begin on the construction of a new traffic light so it can be completed prior to expansion.

Throughout the process one of the biggest discussion points was how would traffic be alleviated during its peak use, which is on Fridays. According to the county staff, there will be an increase in the number of vehicle trips to approximately 6,250 per day. Residents who were against the expansion highlighted concerns on increased parking along Hoadly Road as well as adjacent neighborhoods. However, their voices were few and far between.

The majority of the comments, both in person and remote, overwhelmingly supported the expansion, citing its impact in the community and how Dar Al Noor has participated in food distribution and local election debates. One of the voices supporting the expansion was gubernatorial candidate Jennifer Carroll Foy. “Places of worship are an important part of life, especially right now,” said Foy via remote call. “We want Dar Al Noor to serve as many people as possible and their work is well known, and that is why they need to grow. It’s not about the physical structure, but about its physical presence.”