Video: New Castle Mosque Raises Concerns For Locals

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. – Wednesday’s zoning hearing on a mosque proposed for New Castle’s West End was supposed to focus on environmental issues, but it quickly turned into a discussion of religion.

Supporters of the mosque, including rabbis and pastors, argued for the Upper Westchester Muslim Society's prayer center with speeches about diversity and religious tolerance.

The often off-topic conversation frustrated residents who were more concerned with traffic, septic, lighting, noise and other environmental issues raised by the proposal for a 24,000-square-foot mosque at 130 Pinesbridge Road.

"To some of the speakers who first started about tolerance and faith and religion, that has absolutely nothing to do with this application,” said resident Ron Steinvurzel. "The road can’t support it. And you’re not going to find anyone speaking out in support of this application who lives on Pinesbridge or Hoags (...)