More Challenges Ahead to Stop Ground Zero Mosque

The New York City Lower Manhattan Community Board 1 (LMCB) voted 24-11, with two abstentions and one recusal, to recommend that the city deny landmark status for the building at 45-47 Park Place, the planned site of the controversial Ground Zero mosque. Landmark designation would block demolition of the building to make way for the mosque.

The overwhelming majority of the audience in attendance favored landmark status for the property and opposed development of the 13-story mosque.  The meeting began with hours of public comment from dozens of individuals, including one mother of a 9-11 victim who urged the LMCB not to allow her sons burial site to become a shrine to radical Islamic ideology. 

ACLJ attorney Brett Joshpe attended and addressed the hearing:

"It is hard to imagine this property would not be landmarked but for its proposed use a mosque.  For this Board or the Landmarks Commission to consider that proposed use, however, is improper.  And, if this property is not ultimately landmarked, we will challenge that decision, as we believe improper political considerations have come into play, including this Boards own inappropriately-timed resolution earlier this summer to endorse the proposed mosque prior to a vote on landmark statustolerance is nothing more than a buzzword than can be used to justify any behavior, right or wrong.  Im happy to stand with those who say we will not be duped into remaining silent by the false promise of tolerance at all costs."

Roger Blank, a Republican congressional candidate for New York Citys congressional district 14 was the only national candidate in attendance, and he spoke against the proposed mosque as well.  Despite the impassioned pleas, however, the LMCB voted against landmarking the property. 

The LMCB debate and vote, however, revealed significant fractures within the LMCB, with some board members even inquiring about one board members potential financial conflict of interest.   LMCB member Marc Ameruso expressed shock at the LMCB Landmarks Committees resolution, which praised the propertys historical and architectural significance and then denied landmark status. 

This issue is far from over.

As you know, we presented testimony to the Landmarks Preservation Commission.  You can read that here.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is expected to render a final vote soon on the landmark status.  If it is denied, then the ACLJ intends to appeal the decision in court. 

We represent Tim Brown, a decorated firefighter and first responder, who lost nearly 100 friends on September 11th and witnessed firsthand the horrors of that day.  He is one of many who understand that Ground Zero is sacred ground and not the place to build a mosque.

And, thousands of you have registered your concern about the proposed mosque.  If you haven't added your name yet, please do so now and join the Committee to Stop the Ground Zero Mosque.  Add your name here.

We will keep you posted on this important case.