A mosque in East Meadow has been given a final approval to expand despite some community concerns about increased traffic in the area.

The Long Island Muslim Society got the green light from the Town of Hempstead Zoning Board of Appeals to expand its mosque on East Meadow Avenue.

The town's approval for the Muslim Society to add a second story to the building came despite opposition from some neighbors who raised concerns about overcrowding and traffic.

Ana Koppe, who lives behind the mosque, says traffic is especially heavy when people come to the mosque for Friday service. She says traffic congestion is a safety hazard.

Other neighbors echo Koppe's concerns, saying the mosque is above its occupancy limit of 116 people during Friday service and holidays. 

To address that concern, the board wrote in its decision that there shall be no increase in the existing occupancy limit of 116 persons, and if the mosque violates that limit the board could amend or revoke its decision to allow expansion of the building.

Sarmad Bashir has been worshipping at the mosque for a year. He says he and fellow members are peaceful people and want to be good neighbors with the community.

"The imam and the management of the mosque keep telling the people coming here, 'don't park your cars outside, don't bother the people in the neighborhood,'" Bashir says.