MUKILTEO — The Islamic Center of Mukilteo seeks friends and funding from all faiths.
A meeting is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave., to answer questions and talk about the progress of the planned mosque, which would be the first in Mukilteo.
“This is a community project. All are welcome,” said Riaz Khan, president of the mosque board. “We are looking for sponsors to come forward for support, not only financially but also physically. We’re looking for people’s involvement.”
Pledges are sought to start construction in April.
“We need to raise $800,000,” said Khan, a Boeing engineer who was elected to the Mukilteo City Council in 2019. The land is fully paid for, he said.
In 2014, the property was purchased at 3920 Harbour Pointe Blvd. SW, off Mukilteo Speedway, between a Bank of America and Mukilteo City Hall.
In 2016, Peter Zieve, founder of aerospace firm Electroimpact Inc., was behind anonymous postcards asking residents to oppose the proposed mosque. Zieve first denied knowing about it, then later admitted he was behind the mailing, and that he regretted it.
A month later, flyers with the words, “Ban Islam from America,” were posted at the site of the planned mosque. A U.S. flag was placed nearby. The mosque’s sign was damaged.
A groundbreaking in March was attended by Mukilteo Mayor Jennifer Gregerson, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, and community members.
Riaz Khan speaks at the groundbreaking at the site of the Islamic Center of Mukilteo on March 6 in Mukilteo. (Olivia Vanni / Herald file)
Other local mosques are in Everett, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.
“People won’t have to travel outside the area,” Khan said of the Mukilteo mosque.
After Saturday’s meeting, which is expected to last an hour, people can tour the site.
The proposed 3,796-square-foot building will have an assembly and prayer area, a multi-purpose room, offices, a kitchen, restrooms and two classrooms. Plans call for a parking lot with 30 spaces on the 33,000-square-foot lot.
“The permits are in place. We’re in the process of getting bids from different contractors,” Khan said.
Conceptual drawings show a minaret. At some mosques, the tower is used for the Muslim call to prayer, but this one is simply an architectural feature. Planners do not intend to install loudspeakers or broadcast calls to prayer from the site.
Mosque group members have been meeting at Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church.
Andrea Brown: abrown@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3443. Twitter @reporterbrown.
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