BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — An old Methodist church will soon house Muslim worshipers in Brooklyn Park, despite opposition from neighbors who expressed concern over traffic and parking.

City leaders approved the Brooklyn Park Islamic Centers site plan during a crowded meeting Monday night that drew nearly 100 people to City Hall and prompted many to sound off on the project before the vote.

Members of the Muslim community described a yearslong search for the right property and their hope to make this one home, while neighbors voiced worries about how the anticipated influx of cars would disrupt the quiet rhythms of their residential area.

Some from the Brooklyn Park Islamic Center explained how daily prayers work, hoping to put mosque attendance in context. Currently, as many as 80 members meet in the citys Community Activity Center for Friday prayers.

Nausheena Hussain, a member of the city’s Charter Commission said he hopes one day hundreds of people come, but right now the community is small. They want to be part of that neighborhood as well, he said.

The 6.4-acre property abuts a park and for decades was used by a church congregation. Most recently, it housed a preschool, which closed Sept. 1.