Ground Zero Mosque On The Move?

[dtotire]

Ground Zero Mosque On The Move?
Opponents To Meet With Developers On Troubling Issue

August 17, 2010 11:45 PM


NEW YORK (CBS 2/WCBS 880/1010 WINS) – There was a possible resolution in the works in the debate surrounding the proposed mosque and Islamic cultural center near ground zero.

CBS 2′s Marcia Kramer has learned it looks as if the developers of the mosque may be willing to budge and move away from the Park 51 location where they originally planned the construction.

So will the mosque be moving?

New York Gov. David Paterson plans to meet with developers of the controversial Ground Zero mosque as early as this week to offer them state land – at another location – for their cultural and religious center. Paterson told Congressman Peter King about the meeting, and King said the governor asked him to make it public.

“The purpose of the meeting would be for the governor to discuss with the leaders of the mosque where state property is available,” said Rep. King. “Whether or not people from the mosque would be willing to consider that property.”

King added that the governor “seemed very enthused” about the anticipated discussions.

For at least a week, the governor’s message to the developers has been one of hopeful understanding.

“I hope that the type of cultural understanding that they’re trying to promote when they build the center could be practiced right now,” Paterson said.

Sources tell CBS 2’s Kramer that Gov. Paterson is concerned that Mayor Mike Bloomberg, a staunch supporter of putting the mosque at ground zero, and President Barack Obama, might be advising mosque leaders to dig in their heels and insist on the present location.

But there was a glimmer of hope that they are open to a compromise.

more:
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/08/17/paterson-king-hope-for-mosque-compromise/

[FBaggins]

1. State property?

It would be great if the developers were to consider the feelings (and bigotry) of their neighbors and think about relocating (but not for the government to pressure them to do so)... but I don't like the idea of state property being given to a religious institution.

Surely there's a compromise that doesn't involve that? Maybe sell them the land.

[realisticphish]

2. this

I'm a supporter of the mosque (out of religious freedom) but I'm vehemently opposed to the state aiding a religious institution with fair compensation.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. I know the neighborhood where the proposed Community Center is located.

Nothing special businesses there. No residential buildings. The place is virtually deserted on week-ends. You remove the controversy and I promise you that the site will return to being ignored.