The City of Bayonne recently settled a lawsuit with the Muslims of Bayonne. A little history, the Bayonne Muslims purchased property in the East Side of Bayonne in order to build a community center. After a long dragged out process, the Zoning Board, even though the vote was 5-3 in favor, turned down the community center due to parking and traffic issues. This decision was reached despite the fact that other religious entities had been given approvals with the same parking issues. The Bayonne Muslims then filed a lawsuit and the U.S. Department of Justice began the process of launching an investigation. Based on other prior court cases, Bayonne was facing a potential penalty of millions of dollars. The City’s Insurance carrier reached a settlement figure of $400,000 and the Bayonne Muslims would have the right to build their community center. If the City rejected this settlement it would be on the hook for the cost of anything over $400,000. Politically Mayor Davis would be better off by kicking the can down the road (i.e. after the election) and not settle. Instead the decision was made to settle. This was the right decision for the following reasons:
1) It saves the taxpayer the cost of a multi million dollar settlement or penalties six to twelve months down the road
2) The settlement cost the taxpayer zero dollars, the insurance carrier recommended and paid for the settlement
3) The settlement was a major step in restoring Bayonne’s image. It showed that we are not a City filled with bigots. Development in the City would slow or stop if our reputation become that we were intolerant of different religions, ethnicities, nationalities, or race.
4) The Mayor showed leadership in making the tough decision that was best for Bayonne, not what was best for his re-election.
Leaders lead, and Mayor Davis demonstrated that he is the leader of our City. He didn’t take the easy way out but instead stood up for what is right. The Mayor made a statement with his decision – bigotry will not flourish on his watch.
So yes Bayonne, the Mosque settlement was good.
Bayonne Watcher