The developer of an Islamic community center and mosque near the site of the September 11 attacks in New York says it may take years to determine what kind of project Muslims and non-Muslims want.
Sharif El-Gamal tells The New York Times that decisions will be made after consultation with lower Manhattan residents and New York City-area Muslims.
El-Gamal says that in the past year he8217;s built relationships with neighborhood groups. He8217;s recruited a September 11 victim8217;s relative to his advisory board and sought donors from around the country.
He concedes he should have done those things before going public with the project. He also says he8217;ll only accept money from sources that reflect 8220;American values.8221;
El-Gamal8217;s vision for the project remains unchanged: a mosque,health club,theater and religious and interfaith programming open to all.