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![Controversial Islamic Center Near New York’s Ground Zero Quietly Advances
NEW YORK — If not for the police car constantly parked out front, the Islamic community center two blocks from the former site of New York’s World Trade Center would hardly be noticed.Inconspicuously named after its downtown location, “Park51” occupies a 19th-century industrial building that formerly housed a coat factory.But what its developers envision is a $100 million, 15-story, modernistic structure that becomes a major multifaith cultural institution.That vision provides contrasts stark with events of a year ago, when the idea of building a Muslim center and mosque in the vicinity of the 9/11 attacks stirred public passions in New York City and across the country…[READ MORE]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv464iBAZc1qkgi6go1_500.jpg)
Controversial Islamic Center Near New York’s Ground Zero Quietly Advances
NEW YORK — If not for the police car constantly parked out front, the Islamic community center two blocks from the former site of New York’s World Trade Center would hardly be noticed.
Inconspicuously named after its downtown location, “Park51” occupies a 19th-century industrial building that formerly housed a coat factory.
But what its developers envision is a $100 million, 15-story, modernistic structure that becomes a major multifaith cultural institution.
That vision provides contrasts stark with events of a year ago, when the idea of building a Muslim center and mosque in the vicinity of the 9/11 attacks stirred public passions in New York City and across the country…[READ MORE]
