N.O.R.F Posted August 3, 2010 'Ground Zero' mosque plans go ahead (UKPA) – 1 hour ago Planners have cleared the way for a mosque to be built near New York's Ground Zero site, despite fierce opposition. The Landmarks Preservation Commission's decision not to declare the building a landmark allows organisers to transform into an Islamic community centre, just blocks from the site of the September 11 terrorist attacks. National and local politicians and pressure groups spoke out against plans for the mosque, saying it "disrespected" the memory of September 11 victims. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has supported the mosque. The commission voted 9-0 against granting landmark status to the building. Commissioners said the building did not meet historic criteria to qualify as a landmark. Copyright © 2010 The Press Association. All rights reserved. Takbiir! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.O.R.F Posted August 3, 2010 Mosque near Ground Zero site gets go-ahead Plans to build a mosque near the site of the World Trade Centre in New York City have cleared a major obstacle Plans to build an Islamic cultural centre in lower Manhattan, near the site of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre, today received approval for the first step in its construction process. The Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York City voted unanimously to allow demolition of the derelict building currently standing on the site in Park Place. Oz Sultan, a spokesman for the group behind the cultural centre, said in a statement after the result: "We are eager to begin working with our partners, supporters, neighbors and communities, to build a community center for everyone." Opponents of the plan to build what has been dubbed "the Ground Zero mosque" hoped to stop the project by having the existing building protected as an historic landmark – arguing it should be protected because debris from one of the hijacked planes hit the building on 9/11.(oh come oooon! ) Plans for the centre attracted the attention of Sarah Palin, who recently tweeted: "Peace-seeking Muslims, pls understand, Ground Zero mosque is UNNECESSARY provocation; it stabs hearts. Pls reject it in interest of healing". The plan is also opposed by the Anti-Defamation League, which claimed: "Building an Islamic Center in the shadow of the World Trade Centre will cause some victims more pain – unnecessarily – and that is not right." The centre was strongly supported by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, who declared after today's ruling: "To cave to popular sentiment would be to hand a victory to the terrorists." Sharif El-Gamal, the owner of the Park Place property, told Reuters the building's location was accidental, and said it was purchased to meet the needs of a growing Muslim community. The plans for the 15-story building include a swimming pool and theatre. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/richard-adams-blog/2010/aug/03/mosque-ground-zero-new-york Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ailamos Posted August 3, 2010 Good news indeed.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chubacka Posted August 3, 2010 Well done to all involved and to Mr B for supporting it. May Allah make it easy for them. The plans for the 15-story building include a swimming pool and theatre.. Looks like it will be much more than a simple mosque though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Che -Guevara Posted August 3, 2010 You beat me to it Norf-good win for us Yank Muslims.Glad the developers didn't back down and validate all the hate being spewed. Similar issues are taking place in Tennessee and other states. LoooooL@Chubacka, I know. The "moderate" Muslims are changing the landscape. You should see the main mosque in Boston. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ailamos Posted August 3, 2010 that should be a sock in the mouth of the so-called "patriots" who are nothing but self-righteous hypocrites... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chubacka Posted August 3, 2010 @ Che, I think the clue is in the name "Islamic cultural centre". But well done to them, with good planning and outreach programmes they can attract a lot of non-muslims and teach them Islam is not something to be frightened of. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Che -Guevara Posted August 4, 2010 That I see But they should separate cultural centers and mosques.Our "mosque" has prayer area and just across the hall is the cultural center. There's no partition between the two. And on any given day, you will see women with mini skirts and men in their shorts walking by while the congregation prays. Press Conference by Bloomberg Kudos to him by standing with Muslim community. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rudy-Diiriye Posted August 4, 2010 Wrong move there! I think moslems should respect this place and leave it alone. MY 2c Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Che -Guevara Posted August 4, 2010 ^How long would continue taking it on the chin? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
