EAST LONGMEADOW – Despite delays in filing plans for a proposed Islamic mosque on Maple Street, Developer Jay LeFebvre of Coyote Realty is confident that the project would break ground this summer.

LeFebvre told Reminder Publications he has “no doubts” construction would begin this summer and anticipates it would take six months to complete the building.

He said he has re-filed plans for the project, but he stated Planning Board Director Robyn Macdonald told him the plans for the project “still needs a few more things.”

He added, “They seem to be holding us to a little different standard because all we’re trying to do is get in front of the department heads, which is within our right to do once we file it.”

LeFebvre noted he has submitted all the necessary documents for a site plan review.

“There’s a letter that Robyn sent my attorney saying that we didn’t put in [the plan] where the dumpsters are and just really things that are inconsequential to the big picture, but my attorney met with the town’s attorney [James Donahue] and Robyn one time in person and three times over the phone,” he added.

LeFebvre stated in early October that he planned to submit final plans later that month. LeFebvre stated in October that he had previously submitted plans to the town, but MacDonald informed him they were incomplete.

Gregory Neffinger of Neffinger Architects remains onboard as the project’s lead architect, LeFebvre noted.

Neffinger recently filed a lawsuit against the town of East Longmeadow seeking $250,000 in damages.

According to the suit filed by Attorney Bradford Martin Jr. on Neffinger’s behalf, Town Council President Kevin Manley made disparaging comments to the press regarding Neffinger’s involvement as the architect for the proposed mosque.  

Neffinger also previously served as East Longmeadow’s interim town administrator before he was fired by the now defunct Board of Selectmen in April. Neffinger is also seeking alleged back payment as a part of the suit.

When asked about his opinion about the lawsuit, LeFebvre replied, “It has nothing to do with this. Greg Neffinger is a very competent architect.”

The parcel – 52 to 58 Maple St. – is zoned industrial and a mosque would be an allowed use under Massachusetts state law due to houses of worship being exempt from zoning requirements.

LeFebvre declined to disclose the identity of the party that would utilize the mosque in October and also did not provide an answer to this question during his most recent interview.