The debate over a planned Islamic community center and mosque near ground zero became a court fight Aug. 4, as a conservative advocacy group sued to try to stop the project.
The American Center for Law and Justice, founded by the Rev. Pat Robertson, filed suit to challenge a city panel’s decision to let developers tear down a building to make way for the mosque two blocks from ground zero.
The city Landmarks Preservation Commission didn’t follow procedure and also “allowed the intended use of the building and political considerations to taint the deliberative process,” lawyer Brett Joshpe wrote in papers filed in a Manhattan state court. City attorneys are confident the commission adhered to legal standards and procedures, a city spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, New York Gov. David Paterson this week offered state help if the mosque’s developers agree to move the project farther from the site. The Democrat said he doesn’t oppose the project, but said he understands where opponents are coming from. — ap