WCBS 880: Developer Behind Ground Zero Mosque Plans To Build Islamic Museum

[hrmjustin]

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The developer who abandoned plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero now wants to construct a museum there dedicated to Islam.

Sharif El-Gamal has significantly scaled back his plans for the Park Place site, WCBS 880?s Marla Diamond reported. Instead of erecting a 15-story community center blocks a few blocks from the World Trade Center, the developer is planning to build a three-story, 5,000-square-foot museum dedicated to exploring the faith of Islam and its arts and culture.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/04/30/wcbs-880-developer-behind-ground-zero-mosque-plans-to-build-islamic-center/

[kentauros]

1. I had been wondering what happened with the community center.

I didn't know it had been canceled. Because I loved that facade design. What too many people didn't know or recognize was the use of Islamic geometric design in the face. All anyone saw was something "ugly" with no idea (or care) for what the design represented.

I hope they do use some other kind of geometric design for the facade. And maybe educate everyone when they do release their ideas for exterior modeling. That would go much further in garnering support, as it seems aesthetics still is more important than function.

[hrmjustin]

2. I was appalled at the behavior of some people over the Mosque idea.

I lost people in the towers and I had no issue with it.

I hope this new idea works out.

[kentauros]

3. I hope it does, too.

There will still be those opposed to it, fueled by Fox, I'm sure. Well, you can't fight willful ignorance. They should ignore the opposition and build anyway.

[hrmjustin]

4. Indeed. Fox will make money off of anything.