WEST BLOOMFIELD — The Michigan Court of Appeals recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by two residents asking for the court to repeal the sale of Eagle Elementary School to the Islamic Cultural Association (ICA). 

The lawsuit was initially dismissed by a circuit court. The Michigan Court of Appeals stated that residents and plaintiffs Eugene Greenstein and Melvin Sternfeld were not able to prove that they would be affected by the sale. 

The ICA purchased the school which was owned by the Farmington Public School District last year for $1.1 million to build the Muslim Cultural Center, however the lawsuit has prevented the Farmington School District from using the money for the purpose of enhancing the quality of education in the district. The funds still remain in an escrow account until all litigation are finalized. The plaintiffs still have the opportunity to request that the Michigan Supreme Court hear the lawsuit.  

On Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. the city’s planning commission and wetland review board are expected to vote on ICA’s request to construct a storm water management system with a direct discharge to the Franklin Branch of the Rouge River, as part of its renovation of Eagle Elementary School.

The board and the commission were expected to vote on the proposal in August, but placed the item on hold after residents came out in large numbers at a meeting angry and speaking out against the sale.  

 On Sep. 9 there was a site visit open to the public where representatives from the ICA took questions from the wetland board regarding the construction of the storm water management system.

 On Tuesday, consideration of the ICA’s plans were expected to be discussed further at a public hearing before the West Bloomfield Planning Board of Appeals. According to a report the townships attorneys recommended having the Zoning Board of Appeals address issues raised at the August meeting. 

Since the ICA first purchased Eagle Elementary School to build the Muslim Cultural Center there has been controversy surrounding the sale that continues to escalate, as those who oppose plans for the project continue taking a tougher stance to prevent it from becoming complete. 

In a letter to the Commission the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee stated, “we believe the debate surrounding this issue has been taken out of context and have allowed ill intentions of division and rhetoric of hate to control.  These efforts are against the true American values of diversity and have created an organized effort to block this unique academic institution from realizing its potential and adding value to the surrounding community.” 

 – TAAN