MASJID AL-BAQI
Construction Project
FAQs for Mosque in Bethpage
1. When and why was a mosque established in Bethpage?
The Muslim community in Bethpage opened our first house of worship in April 1998 at our current location, 320 Central Avenue. Initially, most families lived in surrounding areas, with few residing in Bethpage itself. As our community grew, we purchased 300 Central Avenue. At the time of purchase, both buildings were former restaurants in poor condition that required major renovations.
2. How has our community grown and changed over the years?
When we founded our mosque in 1998, it was the sole place of worship for Muslims in our area. Since that time, several new mosques have opened in surrounding areas, including in Hicksville and Farmingdale. Because our area now has multiple mosques, we do not expect the size of our congregation to change as a result of our new and improved facility. Families tend to use their local mosque for their daily prayers and other programs.
3. How does the Muslim community see itself as part of Bethpage?
Our community actively participates in various community events and initiatives, like volunteering with charities like City Harvest and supporting local businesses. Our neighbors can attest to our efforts in addressing any concerns they share. During COVID, we set up a free grocery delivery service, delivering groceries to dozens of Bethpage families, regardless of their race or religion. We regularly host free community breakfasts on weekends and invite the local community to join us. In the past, we ran a food pantry serving the larger Nassau community. We have also hosted interfaith meetings in the past and hope our new center will become a welcoming space where neighbors of all faiths can increase awareness and understanding while building interfaith bridges between different prayer communities.
4. What are the core practices of our community?
Our community is deeply committed to faith, family, and fellowship. Devout Muslims adhere to the practice of five daily prayers, each typically lasting between 10 to 20 minutes. The Friday afternoon congregational prayer is particularly significant, drawing a larger number of worshippers. We provide multiple sessions of our Friday prayers to ensure adequate space and parking.
We also offer regular religious classes for both children and adults, in addition to programs promoting acts of charity and community service. The children's religious daily and weekend classes are organized for convenient pick-up and drop-off. Once a month, our community hosts a weekend evening family night, from 7 pm to 9 pm.
During the holy month of Ramadan, our community gathers for a nightly meal and special prayers starting at sunset. Our center is busy with many local families attending for prayer and subsequently partaking in dinner catered from various local restaurants. Our largest event of the year is Eid - the celebration of the conclusion of Ramadan. We have typically chosen spacious venues like parks or event halls to accommodate everyone comfortably during Eid.
We also offer regular religious classes for both children and adults, in addition to programs promoting acts of charity and community service. The children's religious daily and weekend classes are organized for convenient pick-up and drop-off. Once a month, our community hosts a weekend evening family night, from 7 pm to 9 pm.
During the holy month of Ramadan, our community gathers for a nightly meal and special prayers starting at sunset. Our center is busy with many local families attending for prayer and subsequently partaking in dinner catered from various local restaurants. Our largest event of the year is Eid - the celebration of the conclusion of Ramadan. We have typically chosen spacious venues like parks or event halls to accommodate everyone comfortably during Eid.
5. How many people generally attend prayers and when do prayers take place?
| Time | Approx. Attendance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Prayers: | ||
| Early Morning | 20 - 30 | |
| Mid-Day | 20 - 30 | |
| Afternoon (except Friday) | 20 - 30 | |
| Sunset | 30 - 40 | |
| Night | 30 - 40 | |
| Friday Prayers: | ||
| 1st Service (1:00-1:30 pm) | 200 - 225 | Busiest, with street parking overflow for appx 10 - 15 cars |
| 2nd Service (1:30-2:00 pm) | 100 - 125 | |
| 3rd Service (2:00-2:30 pm) | 75 - 100 | Busiest, with street parking overflow for appx 10 - 15 cars |
| 4th Service (Students) | 50 | Scheduled to accommodate middle and high school kids |
| Additional Programs: | ||
| Daily After School Program | 100 Students | Monday-Friday, 5pm-7pm |
| Saturday School | 85 Students | Saturday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm |
6. How will we handle overflow traffic?
Our daily prayer and after-school services occur at separate times and do not overlap, minimizing any additional parking congestion during those hours. However, Friday prayer sessions draw larger numbers, especially the first session (appx 1:00pm), as local community members and people working at local businesses join the services.
To manage traffic and parking on Fridays, we offer four shorter services between 1pm and 3pm. While the first service at 1pm is the most popular, with overflow onto nearby streets (approx. 10 to 15 cars), subsequent services are less crowded and offer ample space within our buildings.
The Town of Oyster Bay has already studied the likely impact of expanding our mosque on local traffic, and found that it would not generate additional traffic. In an August 25, 2023 memo, the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources (“DER”) concluded that our proposed construction “would not have a significant adverse impact on the traffic operations of [our] adjacent roadway network or transportation resources in the Town of Oyster Bay.” In conclusion, DER accepted the conclusion of the traffic consultant it hired to evaluate the impact our construction would have on local traffic. The Town’s own consultant has concluded that no additional traffic will be generated by our proposed construction.
To manage traffic and parking on Fridays, we offer four shorter services between 1pm and 3pm. While the first service at 1pm is the most popular, with overflow onto nearby streets (approx. 10 to 15 cars), subsequent services are less crowded and offer ample space within our buildings.
The Town of Oyster Bay has already studied the likely impact of expanding our mosque on local traffic, and found that it would not generate additional traffic. In an August 25, 2023 memo, the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources (“DER”) concluded that our proposed construction “would not have a significant adverse impact on the traffic operations of [our] adjacent roadway network or transportation resources in the Town of Oyster Bay.” In conclusion, DER accepted the conclusion of the traffic consultant it hired to evaluate the impact our construction would have on local traffic. The Town’s own consultant has concluded that no additional traffic will be generated by our proposed construction.
7. What are the limitations of our current space?
We do not have enough room in our current facility for our community’s needs. We lack proper classrooms to educate our children and have insufficient space for children to enjoy snacks or arts and crafts and other activities. We also have insufficient space for all the programs we would like to host for the whole Bethpage community. These limitations sadly restrict our ability to offer enriching programs and foster genuine connections within our community. Our proposed construction is not intended to expand our community; it is meant to better serve our current congregation.
8. Why are you building a 16,000 sq ft facility? What needs are not met in current buildings?
The current gross square footage of our two buildings is approximately 4,500 sq. ft. The proposed size of our new building is just 5,300 square feet per floor. Our proposed building has two floors and a basement. Actual usable net square footage for the proposed assembly areas (1st Fl) is approx. 1,600 sq. ft and the proposed classrooms (2nd Fl) is approx. 1,750 sq ft. The remainder of the area is designated for multi-purpose rooms, washrooms, an office, a library, stairways and common areas on each floor.
The actual size of our proposed assembly area is only slightly larger than our current prayer area. That is because we do not expect for our new building to serve a larger congregation.
We need more space in part because our 100+ eager children are currently crammed into makeshift classrooms. They yearn for dedicated, well-equipped spaces with proper walls and soundproofing—something our existing location cannot offer. We lack even a simple library or sitting area for children and adults to relax and connect.
Our faith requires washing hands and feet before prayers, but our limited bathroom facilities lead to frustrating lines, especially on Fridays. Adding adequate washing stations and bathrooms is crucial to comfortably accommodate everyone. Shoe racks and coat storage are another pressing need, as removing footwear before entering the prayer hall creates additional congestion. The proposed new building layout features well-designed washroom facilities on every floor, totaling approximately 1,900 sq. ft. combined.
The actual size of our proposed assembly area is only slightly larger than our current prayer area. That is because we do not expect for our new building to serve a larger congregation.
We need more space in part because our 100+ eager children are currently crammed into makeshift classrooms. They yearn for dedicated, well-equipped spaces with proper walls and soundproofing—something our existing location cannot offer. We lack even a simple library or sitting area for children and adults to relax and connect.
Our faith requires washing hands and feet before prayers, but our limited bathroom facilities lead to frustrating lines, especially on Fridays. Adding adequate washing stations and bathrooms is crucial to comfortably accommodate everyone. Shoe racks and coat storage are another pressing need, as removing footwear before entering the prayer hall creates additional congestion. The proposed new building layout features well-designed washroom facilities on every floor, totaling approximately 1,900 sq. ft. combined.
9. What is the purpose of the basement and multi-purpose room?
We hope our basement and multi-purpose room will provide a safe place for our youngsters to enjoy sports indoors, away from the dangers of an active parking lot. The proposed basement, which is designated as a multi-purpose / play area at 1,700 net square feet, is about 1/3rd the size of a full basketball court. The basement will also be used for our community events after prayers. These events typically involve serving catered food and the basement area would be an ideal separate location, allowing us to avoid eating in our prayer rooms.
It is important to note that each of these designated areas (prayer area, classroom, library, multi-purpose) have their own functionality and will not be occupied simultaneously. The same adults and children will generally move around to different spaces based on the nature of the activity. Thus, though our space will hopefully expand, we do not anticipate many more people attending our events, meaning our proposed construction will not result in more traffic.
It is important to note that each of these designated areas (prayer area, classroom, library, multi-purpose) have their own functionality and will not be occupied simultaneously. The same adults and children will generally move around to different spaces based on the nature of the activity. Thus, though our space will hopefully expand, we do not anticipate many more people attending our events, meaning our proposed construction will not result in more traffic.
10. Do you have sufficient parking for your congregation?
Yes, we will have 84 parking spots. With the exception of Friday service peak times (first session only) as discussed, the current proposed number of parking spots satisfies our normal day to day usage requirement.
Please note we initially submitted our building and construction plans to the Town of Oyster Bay in 2018. Our original architectural plans were made using the then-existing parking regulations. Under the old regulations, we provided enough parking to satisfy the Town’s parking requirements. Oyster Bay adopted new parking regulations in 2022. The new regulations require considerably more parking spots for new houses of worship. Under the new ordinance, we currently have a parking deficit and will require a zoning variance.
Please note we initially submitted our building and construction plans to the Town of Oyster Bay in 2018. Our original architectural plans were made using the then-existing parking regulations. Under the old regulations, we provided enough parking to satisfy the Town’s parking requirements. Oyster Bay adopted new parking regulations in 2022. The new regulations require considerably more parking spots for new houses of worship. Under the new ordinance, we currently have a parking deficit and will require a zoning variance.
11. How will you address traffic and parking concerns, especially on Fridays?
We value being responsible neighbors and would like to take all possible steps to avoid any traffic or parking problems. We plan to implement the following solutions:
- Safety: Hiring additional paid crossing guards to ensure pedestrian safety and to manage traffic flow.
- Carpooling: Encouraging carpooling and alternative transportation whenever possible.
- Walking & Parking: Local members are encouraged to walk. Members with municipal passes at the nearby LIRR station will be encouraged to park there to minimize strain on our mosque’s parking lot.
- Construction: During any construction, we will ensure that our contractor abides by local and statewide rules and regulations and we will provide neighbors with direct contact for our management to address any concerns.
- Commercial Building: We are in negotiations to purchase a nearby commercial building, which we hope to use for additional parking to further reduce any impact on the neighborhood surrounding our mosque.
12. Will the new building comply with all regulations and standards?
We are fully committed to adhering to all applicable regulations and safety standards. We are working closely with experienced architects and consultants who have a proven track record of building compliant, environmentally friendly, and well-designed community centers in and around Oyster Bay.
We filed our initial building application and architectural plans with the Town of Oyster Bay in 2018. Over the past six years, we have received numerous comments and changes from the Town which have been satisfactorily addressed. The reviews were conducted by Nassau County Department of Public Works, the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Planning and Development, and other relevant government agencies throughout the planning process. They have been fully informed of our plans and have provided valuable guidance to ensure compliance with all zoning, building codes, and safety regulations.
We filed our initial building application and architectural plans with the Town of Oyster Bay in 2018. Over the past six years, we have received numerous comments and changes from the Town which have been satisfactorily addressed. The reviews were conducted by Nassau County Department of Public Works, the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Planning and Development, and other relevant government agencies throughout the planning process. They have been fully informed of our plans and have provided valuable guidance to ensure compliance with all zoning, building codes, and safety regulations.
13. Will we keep our neighbors updated on construction progress?
Absolutely. We are committed to providing frequent updates and maintaining open communications with our neighbors. If you have any questions or concerns about our project, please reach out.
14. Why can't the mosque simply move to another location?
We've been part of the Bethpage community for over 25 years, amicably sharing this neighborhood with numerous houses of worship like churches and synagogues. Our current building, though aging, holds immense spiritual and sentimental value as a place of worship and community gathering for generations. It's a testament to our longstanding presence and the memories we've shared within its walls.
Our center relies on the generous support of the local Bethpage Muslim community. We can’t burden our middle-class families with the financial impossibility of a multi-million-dollar new building purchase.
Our center relies on the generous support of the local Bethpage Muslim community. We can’t burden our middle-class families with the financial impossibility of a multi-million-dollar new building purchase.
15. How will the new center benefit the broader Bethpage community?
While primarily serving our Muslim community as a space for prayer and religious gatherings, the new center aspires to be a welcoming resource for the entire Bethpage community. We hope to build bridges with all local residents by hosting small gatherings like Boy Scouts, community clubs like Kiwanis and Rotary, book clubs, Toastmaster, or even meet-and-greets with elected officials. With more space, we can be even better members of our community and can offer joint initiatives with local schools, businesses, and organizations, such as interfaith dialogues, cultural exchange programs, and community service projects. We will be sure at all times to minimize any impact on our immediate neighbors from these activities.
16. Who uses the Bethpage center and where do they come from?
Our mosque primarily serves residents from right here in Bethpage and its closest neighbors; Plainedge, Island Trees, Levittown, Hicksville, Plainview, and Syosset. While we're happy to welcome anyone from farther surrounding areas, the reality is that traveling long distances multiple times a day for regular activities isn't practical for most people. The following map shows at least six additional mosques in the neighboring towns. This is why many residents from those areas utilize their local centers located in Farmingdale, Bellmore, Hicksville, East Meadow, Melville, and Westbury. The blue area roughly represents the majority of our congregants.
Icon on the map represents different muslim centers and circles around them represent their local community.
Icon on the map represents different muslim centers and circles around them represent their local community.
17. How can residents learn more and provide feedback?
We're always eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Here is how to stay connected:
- Reach out directly. Share your ideas through our website at masjidalbaqi.org or email us at [email protected]
- You can call our numbers and leave a voicemail or stop by anytime when we are open.
