Developer of mosque near Ground Zero may build center elsewhere

NEW YORK - Sponsors of the proposed mosque near Ground Zero are also considering New York Governor David Paterson’s idea to build the center someplace else.

Governor Paterson offered state land as an alternative site for the Cordoba Initiative mosque to be built near Ground Zero.

The Democratic governor admitted that he does not have issue with the Cordoba Initiative and supports their mosque proposal. However, Paterson said he is sensitive to the feelings of those adamantly opposed.

“We are open to a conversation to find out more on what the governor has in mind,” the center, Park51, said in a Twitter post yesterday.

While mosque opponents charge the chosen site is insensitive to 9/11 victims, Paterson doesn’t oppose the planned location, the Daily News reports.

Mosque developer Sharif El-Gamal has said the group is interested in hearing from Paterson but added that “this has always been about serving lower Manhattan.” (ANI)