Ground Zero Mosque May Close

The infamous Ground Zero mosque, which quietly opened in September, faces a new
dilemma. This time, the difficulties are unrelated to religious freedom.

According to the New York Post, Park51, the development company behind the
mosque project, owes Con Ed $1.7 million in back rent. They have been given an
ultimatum by the utility: settle up or forfeit their claim to the property.

Currently, there are two buildings on the site. The one on the eastern half, a
former wholesale clothing outlet, is owned outright by Park51. The one on the
western half is a former substation owned by Con Ed, which has been leasing the
space out to Park51. Currently, the ground floor is being used for prayer
services, though eventually both structures are to be razed in preparation for
the construction of a new $100 million, 15-story community center and mosque.

Things seemed to be moving swimmingly for Park51. That was until August, when
Con Ed raised the rent from $2,750 a month—the rate set in 1972—to $47,437 a
month, retroactive to July 31, 2008.
Park51 was given a deadline of October 4 to come up with the $1.7 million owed
or face the eviction.

Park51 principals sued for injunctive relief, calling the rent demands
“outrageous.” Lead developer Sharif El-Gamal is quoted by the Post as saying:

"Whether it is bowing to political pressure or seeking to retain the valuable
premises for itself, Con Ed appears intent on proceeding with its wrongful
termination."

Gamal further moaned that Con Ed’s move puts the kibosh on his company’s ability
eventually to buy the substation building.

A hearing date of November 17 has been set for the case. See Chick's WHO CARES?