"As part of the agreement, Bernards township will permit the Islamic Society to build the mosque," the release stated. "In a separate agreement between the Islamic Society and the township, the township agreed to pay $3.25 million in damages and attorney’s fees."
The Justice Department filed a discrimination lawsuit in November 2016, when the Islamic Society submitted an application to build the 4,252-square-foot mosque, but the request was rejected by the township.
The Muslim organization of Basking Ridge also brought in legal action against the township.
According to the complaint, the Bernards township did not approve the Islamic Society's application based on the religion of its members in violation of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000.
Bernards township officials contended they denied the request on the basis of safety concerns and land rights.
Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!
