Maryland Town May Enact New Zoning Law In Response To Ahmadi Group

In Walkersville, Maryland, the town commission is considering a new zoning ordinance in response to a proposal by a group of Ahmadiyya Muslims to acquire 224 acres of farmland to use for the group's 3-day annual convention that would attract up to 10,000 people. The property would also be used for prayers and meetings by local members on weekends and occasionally for other activities. Chris Weddle, sponsor of the zoning amendment, said it is part of a larger plan to preserve agricultural and open space. If enacted, it would require town council approval to rezone the farmland. Yesterday's Boston Globe says that the Ahmadis have launched a public relations campaign to calm local fears about their plans. [corrected]