LEXINGTON, Neb. (AP) — The Lexington City Council is expected to consider a use permit for a mosque that’s been operating downtown without the permit.

City and mosque officials have been negotiating since the city sued the Islamic Center of Dawson County, saying a certificate of occupancy hadn’t been obtained and a conditional use permit was required before the former laundromat can be used for religious purposes.

The city Planning Commission has approved the use permit and forwarded the issue to the council for its consideration Tuesday.

The City Council originally voted Dec. 22 to deny the permit, citing concerns about parking and what was best for development and redevelopment of downtown.