Goleta Approves Islamic Center Project
Goleta will soon be home to an Islamic center. The Goleta City Council voted 5-0 to approve the two-story project near the corner of Los Carneros and Calle Real.
The Islamic Society of Santa Barbara bought the land in 2001, before Goleta was a city. It has since tripled in value.
It won’t be just a mosque. An attorney for the project said it will be mixed use with classrooms, a dining hall and an area for the Imam and his family to live. Imam Yama Niazi said if there are any critics, he hopes to invite them in. He was raised in Santa Barbara.
The project manager needs to meet with the design review board to work out some lighting issues before construction crews can break ground. It will take at least a year to complete.
