In this discussion, hosts Jordan Smith, Kevin Corvo and Tim Hofmann are joined by Noor Islamic Cultural Center representative Fadi Suleiman and his attorney, a former Hilliard council member himself, Nathan Painter, to address the hurdles faced during Noor's acquisition and proposed multi-use development of the former BMW building on Britton Parkway.
Fadi Suleiman shared Noor's overall trajectory, highlighting its growth from farmland to a hub serving over 6,000 congregants weekly, with an even larger reach during holidays. Facing overcrowding at their Wilcox Road location, Noor saw an opportunity to expand by repurposing the BMW building into a mixed-use facility that accommodates both community needs and private enterprise.
After winning an auction for the property (which Fadi and Nathan describe in some detail) the planning and development of the new project ran into immediate snags.
According to Fadi, Noor's proposal includes using under 10% of the 226,000-square-foot space for nonprofit purposes, such as cultural events and interfaith dialogues, while leasing the remaining 90% to commercial tenants. This mixed-use strategy, he says, aims to alleviate traffic issues, create jobs, and to support patent incubators like DiscoverSTEM programs.
Attorney Painter described the city’s resistance to zoning changes relative to Community Plan priorities, noting a gap between city planning expectations and market realities. With office space demand dwindling post-COVID, he underscored the need for flexibility, emphasizing that Noor’s adaptive plan aligns with broader desired economic trends and embracing the city’s comprehensive goals.
Potential Civil Rights Implications
Painter further criticized the city’s suggestion of “patience” for redevelopment, calling it an undue imposition on private property rights. He argued that such delays not only erode economic potential but also risk litigation over discriminatory treatment and infringements on property rights.
Suleiman urged the city to embrace a proactive and pragmatic business stance, contrasting Hilliard’s slow approach to neighboring Dublin’s active redevelopment of underutilized spaces while calling into question Hilliard’s slow movement on the BMW property - rumored to be leaving the area since at least 2020. He closed by highlighting Noor’s vision to create tangible benefits for Hilliard, including fostering economic vibrancy through delivering space for needed professional services in the northernmost areas of the city.
It was a pleasure hosting both these members of our Hilliard community as we strive to understand our growing city and how best to help our neighbors and ourselves.
Additional Information
After this interview was conducted a statement on the matter was released by the city of Hilliard and we reproduce it here from a related 10tv.com piece on the whole affair - which can be viewed HERE.
“The City of Hillard embraces diversity in our community and welcomes all forms of faith, and we understand the strong emotions and concerns around this proposed project. It is the obligation of our City Council to consider existing zoning, City regulations, and the Community Plan when making decisions. We assure Hilliard residents, including those in our Muslim community, that this process was followed in accordance with our City zoning and land use policies.
"The current permitted use of the 5550 Britton Parkway property — office — is the same today as it was when Noor’s holding entity bought it. No rights have been taken from Noor.
"Unfortunately, there has been significant misinformation spread concerning this proposal and the City’s efforts to work with the applicant. Hilliard leaders negotiated diligently with Noor for the past 10 months and have worked hard to accommodate their evolving plans, including allowing up to 56,000 square feet for school and event space that could be used for religious and nonreligious activities. These efforts to accommodate were rejected by the applicant.
"Noor has the opportunity to submit a new development plan for the site that aligns with the Community Plan. We remain committed to reaching a resolution so the building’s potential can be maximized for the benefit of our entire community.”
Coverage will continue as the story develops.
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