WTC mosque plan wins Downtown committee backing

A proposed 13-story mosque and Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero was unanimously approved by Community Board 1’s financial district committee last night despite grumblings from some who said the project was offensive for families of 9/11 victims. The $100 million glass-and-steel Cordoba House would be built on the site of the old Burlington Coat Factory, at 45 Park Place near Broadway, and would have a 500-seat performing arts venue, swimming pool and basketball court in addition to the mosque. Construction financing has already been lined up through private donations from the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, among other groups. [NYDN]