Certainly, zoning boards trample on the private property rights all the time, quite often for corrupt, arbitrary, reasons.. Excuse me, however, but I don't see the justice of giving them even more arbitrary pretexts to deny the private property rights of a specific owner. That's like pouring gasoline on the fire which is burning away our rights to property in every knook and cranny of the U.S. Why not use this valuable energy to rally to the private and first amendment rights of the Greek Orthodox church? Right now, the plight of that church is nothing more than a debating point for opponents of the mosque. As long as the emphasis is on denying the right to build on this specific land, it will remain a side issue.
"Arbitrary" ?? Arent you painting with a broad brush? One man's "arbitrary" might be another man's non-arbitrary.
How about building a strip club next to an elementary school? How about you spend your life savings to buy 5 acres of land in a forested area and you build your own house with blood , sweat and tears and then someone buys the adjoining plots and put in an amusement park? Wouldnt you want the zoning board to protect your "rights" ? You didnt think "they" could "do" that, and its blatantly unfair, isnt it?
IMO, the only way you can come down in favor of this obvious intentional provocation and affront is if you just don't give a spit about a whole bunch of people's legitimate feelings and interests.