NY Examiner - Commission Faces Lawsuit For Approving Siting of Islamic Center

August 3, 9:38 PM
by Femi Sobowale

A possible law suit is hanging on the head of The Landmarks Preservation Commission following its approval of a 13-story building housing the proposed mosque near the Ground Zero.

The American Center for Law and Justice, the originator of the law suit, through its lawyer, Brett Joshpe alleged that the commission acted arbitrarily and violated procedures.

According to ACLJ Chief Counsel, Jay Sekulow, the plan suit is expected to be filed tomorrow at the state court as an article 78 petition.

Sekulow said that, the action taken by the City of New York represents a blatant disregard for the city's own procedures, while ignoring the fact that this is a historic and hallowed site that should not be destroy to build an Islamic mosque.

The ACLJ based in Washington DC represents Tim Brown, a firefighter and survivor of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at Ground Zero and thousands of Americans including New Yorkers who lost their loved ones.

In the meantime, voices of dissent continue to trail the approval of the Islamic house of worship as more opponents express strong opinions against it.

A mother, Sally Regenhard who lost her firefighter son on 9/11 said the lack of sensitivity associated with the building is more pronounced, and that the building should not be erected. This is not going to go away. Regenhard said. In her view, people will continue to speak out.

Proponents and supporters of the Islamic Center are not short of words. Ro Sheffe, chairman of Community Board 1's Financial District Committee is looking forward to those amenities such as a 500 capacity auditorium, a culinary school and classrooms, all expected to be provided in the proposed mosque.

In Sheffe's opinion, the sooner we get this community center, the better for the community.