Colorado Springs Mosque Proposal: Community Debate Over 7610 Maverick Road Project

A proposed mosque and community center at 7610 Maverick Road in unincorporated El Paso County has become the focus of an increasingly visible community debate.

The project, submitted by the Islamic Society of Colorado Springs, would be built on an approximately five-acre parcel east of Colorado Springs. El Paso County’s development-review system lists the project as PPR2515 — 7610 Maverick Road Islamic Society of Colorado Springs and currently lists its status as Active. EPC Dev Plan Review

According to permitting documents reported by The Gazette, the first phase calls for approximately 14,680 square feet of worship and educational space, with an estimated construction cost of about $7.34 million. A future second phase has been described as expanding the facility to approximately 25,300 square feet. Colorado Springs Gazette

What Is Being Proposed?

The Islamic Society of Colorado Springs has been working toward a larger purpose-built facility for years.

The organization currently operates Masjid Al-Farooq on North Chestnut Street. The Gazette reported in January 2026 that the organization had surpassed 1,000 members and regularly held two Friday prayer services, each drawing approximately 250 people. Colorado Springs Gazette

The proposed Maverick Road project is intended to provide additional space for worship, education and community activities.

Planning materials describe the first phase as a worship and education center. Future expansion plans have included additional facilities such as a gymnasium, classrooms, kitchen and daycare. Colorado Springs Gazette

Why Are Some Residents Opposed?

Opposition to the project has developed around several different issues. These concerns do not represent a single position shared by every area resident, but they have appeared in public discussion and comments submitted to El Paso County.

Concerns About Traffic and Neighborhood Impact

Some residents have raised questions about how a larger gathering facility could affect the surrounding area.

Issues discussed by opponents include:

• Traffic entering and leaving the property
• The effect of large gatherings on nearby roads
• Parking
• Noise
• Water and other infrastructure
• The effect of development on the character of the surrounding area

El Paso County’s public project file contains numerous public comments opposing the development, as well as reviews from county departments and outside agencies. The project has undergone review involving areas including engineering, stormwater, health, utilities and the Colorado Springs Airport Advisory Commission. EPC Dev Plan Review

These reviews are part of the county’s normal development-review process and do not, by themselves, establish that the project has violated any requirement.

Concerns About Sharia Law and Constitutional Issues

Another part of the opposition concerns Islamic law, or Sharia, and whether religious practices or political interpretations associated with Islam could conflict with constitutional rights.

Some opponents have argued publicly that their concerns extend beyond the construction of a religious building. Organizer Annette Yebba, for example, has characterized the issue as one involving concerns about Sharia law and its compatibility with the U.S. Constitution.

Those statements represent the views of the opponents who made them. They should not be treated as evidence that the proposed Colorado Springs facility intends to establish Sharia law or replace American law.

The proposed project remains a land-development and religious-facility project subject to applicable federal, state and county laws.

Public Opposition and Protests

Public opposition has included demonstrations near the proposed site.

Reports from early 2026 described residents gathering near the property with American flags and signs expressing opposition to the project.

The demonstrations have focused on a mixture of concerns, including the proposed development, neighborhood impacts, constitutional issues and opposition to Sharia law.

The county’s public development file also contains multiple written comments opposing the project. EPC Dev Plan Review

What Does the Islamic Society Say?

The Islamic Society of Colorado Springs has described the project as a long-term effort to create a purpose-built facility for its growing congregation.

The organization has said its existing building has become increasingly difficult to use as its membership and attendance have grown. The Gazette reported that the current facility has served the local Muslim community since 1996. Colorado Springs Gazette

The proposed facility would provide space for religious services as well as educational and community activities.

Where Does the Project Stand?

The most important point for residents following this issue is that the project is still in the county development-review process.

El Paso County’s public project database currently lists the 7610 Maverick Road Islamic Society project as Active. The database contains dozens of review documents and a lengthy history of submissions and agency reviews dating back to 2024–2025. EPC Dev Plan Review

The project has been reviewed by multiple county and regional agencies. The public file also contains numerous public comments from people expressing opposition. EPC Dev Plan Review

That means the project should be followed through the official county process rather than assuming that construction is imminent or that approval has already occurred.

What Happens Next?

Residents who want to follow the project can monitor the El Paso County development-review file for new documents, agency comments, public notices and changes in project status.

People on either side of the issue can also participate through the appropriate public-comment and planning processes.

The county’s project file is the best place to verify the current status and review documents for the proposal. EPC Dev Plan Review

A Community Debate That Isn’t Going Away

The proposed mosque at 7610 Maverick Road has become more than a question about one building for many people involved in the debate.

Supporters see the project as a way to provide a growing religious community with a purpose-built place for worship, education and community activities.

Opponents have raised concerns about development, traffic, neighborhood impacts and broader questions involving religion, Sharia law and constitutional principles.

Those are different positions, and residents can evaluate the arguments and the available public records for themselves.

What do you think about the proposed 7610 Maverick Road project?

Are the concerns about traffic, development and neighborhood impacts justified? What about the broader constitutional and Sharia-law concerns raised by some opponents?

Share your thoughts in the comments.