The American Center for Law and Justice said after the vote that “we’re planning to file an Article 78 petition in state court to challenge the city’s actions…”

An Islamic cultural center that the Cordoba Initiative and the American Society for Muslim Advancement hope to build near ground zero has been trumpeted as an effort toward building bridges between Muslims and the families of Sept. 11 victims.

But that wasn’t in evidence Tuesday as a key vote by a New York City panel prompted cries of “shame on you” and charges of “disaster,” countered by protestations of “How big is the Muslim-free zone around ground zero?”

In its 9-0 vote before an emotional crowd Tuesday morning, the Landmarks Preservation Commission denied landmark status to the 150-year-old building currently occupying 45-47 Park St., a few blocks from the former World Trade Center (thus clearing the way for the mosque to be built).

According to the Associated Press, some members of the audience greeted the vote with applause, while others shouted “shame” as panel Chairman Robert B. Tierney called for the vote.

The project has become fuel for heated accusations from local and national politicians, from religious freedom and Muslim groups, and from anti-jihad activists.

After the vote, author Pamela Gellar, a popular anti-jihad and pro-Israel blogger, blamed New York Mayor Bloomberg, a supporter of Cordoba House, for the unanimous vote in the face of so much public controversy.

Michal Elseth is an intern with the National Journalism Center working in commentary and national news for the summer. She graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hillsdale College. Michal loves D.C. and life as a graduate, but she is actually from the other Washington and hopes to work in journalism there.

Read More: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/aug/3/panel-allows-mosque-close-to-ground-zero/print/