Islip Zoning Board Reverses Decision on Muslim School Dormitory Plans

A contentious all-boys Muslim school in Islip has faced significant backlash regarding its plans to accommodate 120 teenage boys in a dormitory next to a senior living community. As a result, the school’s proposal has been denied.

On Tuesday, the Islip zoning board overturned its earlier approval for The United American Muslim Association’s new school located in Bay Shore. This decision came after residents voiced their concerns for five hours straight during a meeting in July, according to a board spokesperson.

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 3-1, stating that the proposed boarding facility does not meet the town’s zoning regulations as an accessory use to the parochial school.

Consequently, although the school is still set to open on the 13-acre waterfront campus, students will have to return home each day after classes.

The board clarified in their decision that the issue was not about the permission for a parochial school itself—town code allows for that. Instead, they emphasized that the property owner failed to demonstrate that the residential boarding aspect complies with local laws.

Local residents expressed strong objections to the school’s plans, largely due to concerns about the impact of a large group of energetic teen students in what is predominantly a tranquil area. The atmosphere at the recent meeting became quite heated, with some participants being escorted out for their disruptive remarks.

One resident, who identified herself only as Barbara, expressed her views, saying, “It doesn’t matter to me what religion the school is—Jewish, Catholic, whatever—we just don’t want it. Can you imagine the noise from 120 schoolchildren, day and night?”

Despite ongoing protests, various board members initially suggested the dormitory was within town regulations, which made the unexpected decision quite a relief for the locals.

Previously, the site served as a Catholic boarding school from the 1920s until it closed in 1972. More recently, the 73,000-square-foot main building was used as a residence for Catholic priests but has remained vacant for quite some time.

The United American Muslim Association acquired the property in June and intends to offer early childhood education and grades 7 through 12, along with community events. Tuition is estimated to range from $750 to $1,250 monthly.

The group has not responded to requests for comment regarding this matter.