The fate of a proposed Muslim cemetery in Collin County is on the negotiating table following word from the U.S. Department of Justice.
On Aug. 14, the DOJ announced that the Islamic Association of Collin County’s efforts to build the cemetery can go to court if the IACC can’t come to terms with the City of Farmersville. Last week the City Council agreed to negotiate with the IACC over how to proceed with the matter.
The decision was made in executive session, so no details are yet public.
The issue dates back to 2015, when the IACC first got approval to build the cemetery. Public outcry from area residents led to the Islamic Society lying low until 2017. That’s when the society re-applied for approval with a modified plan that the city denied.
Last September the DOJ launched an investigation into the city’s decision. On August 14th, the department stated that the IACC could go forward with a lawsuit against Farmersville if it so chooses.
Farmersville Police Chief Michael Sullivan, who is also the city's public information officer, said Monday that the two entities will try to negotiate an agreement. He said there is no timeline on how quickly the issue might be resolved or whether it will end up in court.
The IACC did not respond to a request for comment on this story.
