Some Neighbors Oppose Longview Mosque

GREGG COUNTY — Longview-area Muslims hope to complete a mosque on the northern edge of the city in coming months, amid opposition from residents in the neighborhood. Islamic Community of Longview member Saleem Shabazz said the 35 or 40 Muslims planning the worship center are encountering opposition from some future neighbors. Envisioned as a 2,500- to 3,000-square foot mosque and cultural/education center, the facility on Amy Street would take the place of an apartment where local Muslims have held Friday prayers for about two decades, Shabazz said.

Some Amy Street residents are saying everyone has a right to a place of worship, just not on their street. The nearest mosque is in Tyler, and Longview-area Muslims have been candid about wanting their own place of worship.

A member of the Longview Race Relations Committee, Shabazz said he has discussed aspects of the new mosque with the county commissioner for that precinct, Charles Davis. Davis on Tuesday acknowledged several calls “from people out there who are unhappy for various reasons.”