TEMECULA - A Temecula Planning Commission hearing to review plans for a proposed 25,000-square-foot mosque -- which is being challenged over its size and symbolism -- has been delayed because of a misplaced sign, it was reported today.

The planning commission was scheduled Wednesday to discuss a traffic and noise mitigation study initiated over concerns about the impact the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley's proposed religious and recreation might have.

However, according to the Southwest Riverside County News Network, because a sign announcing the meeting, as required by law, was posted on the wrong property, the mosque meeting will have to take place later, possibly during the commission's next meeting in December.

The project has been in the works for Advertisement

[ The Tutoring Center ] two years and would utilize a 4.5- acre site at Calle Medusa and Nicolas Road owned by the Islamic center.

Imam Mahmoud Harmoush told City News Service in August that his congregation of 150-plus families needs a larger facility because it has outgrown the 8,000-square-foot building now in use on Rio Nedo Avenue.

Opponents of the project, including members of the Calvary Baptist Church, which would be adjacent to the mosque, have expressed concerns about the building's size and what it represents.

Pastor Bill Rench told City News Service that members of his congregation fled Muslim countries because of persecution and were dismayed about having a reminder of "life in the old country" staring back at them whenever they attend church.