Group files suit to block Ground Zero mosque

A conservative advocacy group founded by the Rev. Pat Robertson Wednesday filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking construction of a planned Islamic community center and mosque two blocks from Ground Zero.

The petition by the Washington, D.C.-based American Center for Law and Justice seeks to overturn Tuesday's decision by the New York City Landmarks Commission that essentially opened the door for the mosque to be built.

The commission ruled that the old Burlington Coat Factory building on Park Street does not qualify for landmark status. Opponents of the mosque project had hoped to block it by having the 1850s building declared a landmark.

The ACLJ - which filed the suit on behalf of Tim Brown, a firefighter and first responder who survived the Twin Towers' collapse and lost nearly 100 friends - argued in papers filed in New York State Supreme Court that the commission's decision was invalid because it violated its own rules and procedures in part by failing to allow sufficient public input.

The group also said the commission was influenced by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who appoints its members and is a vocal proponent of the Islamic project, which he says would be an example of religious freedom in America.

"The deliberative process was tainted and violated procedural safeguards that have been in place for years," Jay Sekulow, the group's chief counsel, said in a statement. "We're hopeful that the court will nullify the commission's vote and conclude what most New Yorkers and Americans understand - this site is sacred ground and not the place to build a mosque."

The commission referred questions to the city's Law Department, which released a statement saying, "We have not yet been formally served, but we are confident that the Landmarks Preservation Commission carefully applied all legal standards and followed appropriate procedures."

The project developers, now known as Park51, did not respond to messages Wednesday.

The proposal has provoked an intense national debate about balancing religious freedom and the legacy of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Proponents contend the government cannot restrict citizens' religious activities, while opponents say the location of the mosque is insensitive to the feelings of relatives of 9/11 victims and is a desecration of sacred ground.

Brett Joshpe, another attorney for the law center, said the lawsuit could take months to decide.

The developers have not yet applied for permits to begin demolition or remodeling of the Burlington building, city Department of Building officials said.