Basic concept plans for a proposed Muslim cemetery near Farmersville were unanimously approved by the Collin County Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night.
Controversy surrounding the project started two years ago, almost immediately following the announcement that the Islamic Society of Collin County had purchased 35 acres near US Highway 380 and County Road 557.
At Monday’s meeting, no public comment was allowed, but the Planning & Zoning Commission did pass out comment cards asking residents to state pros and cons. Many results have been posted to Twitter, some in support and some in opposition. One critic of the cemetery wrote that residents do not want a Muslim cemetery to be the first thing visitors entering Farmersville to see, and that the Muslims planning the project are lying about what they really want to do with the property. Some residents said they fear Muslims will eventually build an Islamic center or school on the property.
One resident wrote simply “no pros” under “What is your view of the cemetery, pros and cons?” Under the question of what the Planning & Zoning Commission need to consider, the same resident wrote, “They’re going to take over.”
Other residents commented that they are in favor of the cemetery and worry that the public outcry from critics will simply showcase the areas racism. Wrote one supporter about the cemetery, “It should be treated the same as any cemetery.”
