Bloomberg denounces mosque critics

As controversy swirls over plans to build an Islamic center and mosque near Ground Zero, Mayor Michael Bloomberg today continued to denounce those opposing the effort, on John Gambling’s WOR-AM radio show. Bloomberg defended Tuesday’s vote by the Landmarks Preservation Commission not to grant landmark designation to the building that would be torn down to make way for the proposed complex. He also lashed out at those raising questions about the source of money for the mosque, the New York Times reported. Several critics, including former Congressman Rick Lazio, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, have called for a formal investigation of the financing of the project, which would cost $100 million and would include a mosque, a performing arts center, a restaurant and a pool. “It’s a handful of people who ought to be ashamed of themselves,” Bloomberg said, echoing some of the issues he raised in a speech on Tuesday in which defended the project as a symbol of America’s religious tolerance. [NYT]