MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Construction is underway on the new Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.
Phase I of construction on the controversial mosque began Monday on Veals Road off Bradyville Pike.
The first phase will involve clearing trees and building the mosque's foundation and will take about one year to complete.
The future mosque has met much opposition and some opponents are attempting to have building permits revoked.
A recent posting on the Support the Islamic Center's Facebook page said, "Some people in our city are doing everything within their power to prevent the building of our center and revoke our existing permit. Upon the advice of our attorney we must do everything in our power to begin building right away."
The center will continue to raise money to help fund the remaining construction.
Related Stories:
- August 12, 2010: Proposed mosque brings threat of lawsuit to commissioners
- August 4, 2010: Islamic center controversy could prompt zoning changes
- July 15, 2010: Billboard opposes Murfreesboro Islamic center
- June 29, 2010: Proposed Antioch mosque met with opposition
- June 26, 2010: Residents rally to show support for Islamic Center of Murfreesboro
- June 24, 2010: Opposing sides come face-to-face at mosque rally
- June 24, 2010: Future Islamic center sign vandalized in Murfreesboro
- June 18, 2010: Rutherford Co. mosque reaches out after neighbors' public outcry
- June 17, 2010: Mosque approval last month stirs strong emotions
- April 13, 2010: Brentwood closer to building first Muslim mosque
