Lakeville Mayor Affirms Support for Religious Freedom Following Approval of City’s First Mosque
Published: December 5, 2025.
LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA - Lakeville Mayor Luke Hellier is urging unity, civility, and respect after the Lakeville City Council approved plans for the city’s first mosque. This action has received both strong support and pointed criticism in recent weeks.
In a public statement shared on Facebook, Mayor Hellier said he and council members have received “a number of aggressive phone calls and emails” since the approval. While some of the messages came from Lakeville residents, Hellier noted that “many have not.”
Hellier’s message was unequivocal: “Lakeville will always be a community that welcomes people of faith. Period.”
Council Approves Lakeville’s First Mosque
At its November 17, 2025, meeting - which you can watch in full below - the Lakeville City Council approved plans for the Lakeville Masjid, which will occupy the former Lakeville Area School District office building at 8670 210th Street, just off Holyoke Avenue in downtown Lakeville. A public hearing for the project was held on November 6 before the Planning Commission.
The 5,244-square-foot, two-story structure is expected to accommodate gatherings of up to 150 people. The Muslim American Society of Minnesota has previously used the building for prayer and community events.
Local Muslim Community Welcomes the Decision
Representatives of the Islamic Center of Lakeville emphasized that the mosque fills a long-standing need for local space to worship and gather.
“Our community has been part of Lakeville for many years,” said Muneeb Ahmed, a Lakeville resident and representative of the Islamic Center of Lakeville and Muslim American Society of Minnesota. “We are professionals, parents, students, and above all your neighbors. The masjid will not only be a space for prayer, but also for community service and interfaith engagement.”
Lakeville residents spoke in favor of the project, describing the mosque as an opportunity to strengthen community ties.
“Growing up here, I’ve seen how places of worship strengthen neighborhoods,” said Saif Ali. “Churches, temples, and other houses of faith contribute immensely to the social fabric of our city. The Lakeville Masjid will do the same.”
Concerns About Traffic and Parking
Some residents and commissioners raised questions regarding parking, traffic, and noise during peak gathering times. According to the application, the mosque will share a 75-space lot with a nearby ice rink. City staff noted that the building’s use falls within the zoning allowances and that traffic impacts are expected to be manageable.
Mayor: Upholding Constitutional Rights and Community Values
In his statement, Mayor Hellier emphasized both legal responsibility and moral duty in supporting the approval process.
“As Mayor, I have a legal and moral responsibility to uphold the rule of law and ensure that every individual’s constitutional rights are protected—regardless of their faith tradition,” Hellier wrote. He added that religious freedom is “a cornerstone of our country and of our community.”
Hellier, referencing his Christian faith, said the command to “love my neighbor” influences his approach to public service.
He praised residents who have demonstrated kindness and civility amid the debate, calling on the community to reflect “the best of who we are: a welcoming, respectful, and strong community.”
Looking Ahead
The Lakeville Masjid will serve as a local prayer space, community hub, and interfaith resource for a growing Muslim population in Lakeville. Construction and interior preparation timelines have not yet been announced, but organizers say the goal is to establish a long-term home for worship and community engagement.
Mayor Hellier encouraged residents with questions about the approval process or religious land-use laws to reach out directly. “My door is always open,” he said.
Written by: Will Wight
