Park51 developer applies for funding

Sharif El-Gamal and a rendering of Park51

Sharif El-Gamal, the developer of Park51, the controversial Islamic community center near Ground Zero, confirmed today that he has applied for grants from the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. El-Gamal, the chairman of Soho Properties, said that he is seeking the money to fund social services and other programs. El-Gamal is said to have applied for a $5 million grant, though he did not confirm that amount. According to Crain’s, the application is one of 270 from non-profit and government organizations that are trying to get a portion of $17 million in grants from the Lower Manhattan Community and Cultural Enhancement Fund. The grants will range from $100,000 to $1 million per organization. The deadline for applications was Nov. 4. [Crain’s]