Sterling Heights Agrees To Settle Lawsuits Over Planned Mosque

STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit suburb that denied a religious organization's proposal for a mosque in a residential neighborhood has agreed to settle two federal lawsuits that alleged discrimination.

Sterling Heights City Council voted late Tuesday to accept the settlements, including one in a lawsuit brought in December by the U.S. Attorney's office. Officials say the settlement keeps the city out of costly litigation.

Federal authorities said Wednesday that Sterling Heights will allow construction of the mosque.

In 2015, the city's planning commission voted against a special land agreement for the mosque sought by the American Islamic Community Center -- even after the group had signed a lease with an option to purchase the property along 15 Mile Road between Ryan and Mound. A lawsuit brought by the center noted a "hostile" commission and public.

Sterling Heights has said the denial was based on issues involving the building's size and parking.

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