A recent controversy surrounding a proposed site for a mosque has erupted into a battle among a few Ames residents and area Muslims, including some Iowa State students.

The battle has even gone before the city council.

Consequently, the council unanimously passed a resolution to subdivide a piece of land located at 1212 Iowa Ave. into three lots that would allow Muslims to build their mosque.

Now the resolution must be approved by the council in two more phases before groundbreaking can begin.

The opponents of the mosque include the neighbors in the area of the proposed site.

They argue the mosque would create parking problems, cause safety problems and decrease property values in the neighborhood.

If the proposed site meets all city regulations for development, then the mosque should be built.

Saying the mosque would decrease property values and cause an increase in the amount of traffic on Iowa Ave. seems to be a form of intolerance toward Muslims and perhaps even a cop-out.

For example, if it was a protestant church being constructed on Iowa Ave. instead, would the same response be given toward members of that congregation?

A mosque in Ames is a great way to add religious diversity to the ISU community.

It shouldn’t matter whether the council approves the site; the Muslims should be able to practice freedom of religion.

Isn’t freedom of religion part of our sacred First Amendment rights?

The Muslim community has every right to build a mosque here in Ames.

If they feel like building a mosque in the middle of a neighborhood, so be it.