Mosque group: Never planned to meet with guv

Developers of an Islamic cultural center and mosque near Ground Zero say they never planned to meet with New York Gov. David A. Paterson over his offer to help find an alternative site.

The developers from the Cordoba Initiative say there never was a meeting planned with Paterson. No reason was given in the brief written response to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

Since Aug. 10, Paterson has publicly sought a meeting with the group to discuss the tensions surrounding the project and to offer options for an alternative site.

Paterson says the group postponed a meeting that had been  scheduled for Monday because its imam leader was traveling.

Paterson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the Cordoba Initiative’s statement.

Earlier Friday, Paterson told WNYC Radio’s “The Take Away” that he was still seeking a meeting, but the discussion he’d hoped to have this week won’t happen.

Paterson had said this week that he had hoped to meet with developers in a couple of days to talk about the concerns of those still hurt and angry over the Sept. 11 attacks.

He says the group postponed a Monday meeting because its imam leader was traveling.

Paterson has also offered to provide state assistance for any relocation.