The LA Times website reports today (September 22, 2011) that an Islamic community center -- which fueled angry demonstrations because of its proximity to the site of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks -- has opened quietly in Lower Manhattan, drawing no protesters.
The scene at yesterday's official opening at the building on Park Place -- about two and one-half blocks from the former World Trade Center towers -- was far different from a year ago, when the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks became a platform for groups trying to prevent the center from going forward.
The new owner's decision to use a former Burlington Coat Factory building as an Islamic center divided politicians and survivors of September 11 victims -- some saying the project was an insult because it is so close to ground zero.
Others -- who were supported by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- said the center was the ideal way to improve ties among New York's diverse groups.
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