11th Circuit Tells Parties To Try Again To Mediate RLUIPA Zoning Dispute Over Mosque Expansion

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that yesterday, after hearing oral arguments in Islamic Center of North Fulton, Inc. v. City of Alpharetta, Georgia, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the parties to try again to resolve their zoning dispute by mediation.  In the case, a federal district court dismissed RLUIPA and federal constitutional challenges to Alpharetta's refusal to approve the Islamic Center's expansion. The proposed project would replace the Center's present worship structure with 2 buildings-- a mosque and a smaller community hall. (See prior posting.) The 11th Circuit said that if no settlement is reached in 120 days, it will issue a ruling in the case.