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Historical Background |
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The
Islamic Society of Corona/Norco (ISCN) was established in 1988
by Muslims to serve the social, spiritual and educational
needs of the Muslims living in and around this city of
Corona
. ISCN was formally
incorporated in 1990 as a religious, educational and
non-profit organization. In 1991 funds were raised to rent a
space for the Society in
Corona
. It became obvious
very soon thereafter that this facility was proving to be
inadequate for the growing needs of the community. In 1994
with the support of the local Muslim community, the
Society signed a five lease for 2500 square feet business unit
in
Corona
, which now serves as
the present location of ISCN. The current location went
through the city of
Corona
’s Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) process and approximately $15,000 was spent to
bring the facility according to CUP requirement. In 1999 the
CUP was further extended for another 18 months till April 2001
after which no further extension will be granted. The Islamic
Society’s membership has increased since obtaining the Interim
Church Use Permit, which has strained its ability to conduct
services at the
Harrington Street
location.
Alhamdulillah, in the blessed month of Ramadan 1418
Hijra (December, 1997), The
Islamic Society of Corona/Norco closed the escrow for 2.31
acres of property located on 2461 South Main Street in Corona.
This property was purchased under foreclosure from a bank.
The property value has appreciated so much that it no longer
makes sense to destroy the house and pool to build a mosque.
After working closely with
Corona
City
planning
department, ISCN Board of Directors had made a business
decision not to convert
Main St.
property as a
permanent Masjid. It was decided that the same money could be
used to buy a flat piece of land, which would be much larger
and provide a much better venue for the permanent Masjid.
In September 1999 in the heart of
Corona
a four acres flat
land went for sale. ISCN was able to negotiate the deal with
the seller to payoff-listed price of $ 495,000.00 in 4 years
with out any interest. Later on seller contends that society
lacks proper credit history and he is only willing to sell for
cash. After reviewing all options Islamic Society Board of
Directors reached a decision to buy this property for all cash
in the neighborhood of $450k to $475K. This was mainly after
the department plan review with the City planning department
and the Engineering firm we hired to survey this land. The
Location is ideal the parcel is flat and it has easy access
from the 15 and 91 freeways. This land is ideal for our
current and future needs. It is located in front of
Corona
’s largest and best
sports park.
On
January 7, 2000
,
the ISCN purchased the property and submitted the application
to City of
Corona
for the Conditional
Use Permit (CUP). The City Planning department recommended
the Planning Commission to approve the CUP00-009 based on the
findings contained in the staff report and conditions of
approval.
On
March 12, 2001
,
the Planning Commission denied the CUP by 2-3 votes and the
Islamic Society appealed the decision of the Planning
Commission to the City Council. Alhamdulillah, on
April 4, 2001
,
the City Council unanimously overturned the Planning
Commission decision and approved the CUP00-009.
During the past few years the Muslims living in Corona/Norco
have raised a substantial sum of money according to their
means and have purchased the property on the main Street. With
the help of Allah that property has appreciated in value and
would allow us to buy this land. However, the money on hand is
insufficient to finance the building Phase-1.
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