ACLJ Ready to Challenge Proposed Ground Zero Mosque After NYC Refuses to Declare Bldg. Historic

“We're poised to file legal action on behalf of our client to challenge this flawed decision and put a stop to this project.” - Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2010— The chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is ready to take legal action after a decision today by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission that he calls deeply offensive to many of the victims and families of the 9/11 tragedy.  The ACLJ is representing a New York City firefighter who survived the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

By a vote of 9-to-0, the commission, appointed by New York Mayor Bloomberg, failed to landmark a historic site near Ground Zero-a site where the landing gear of one of the hijacked planes from 9/11 crashed through the roof of the building.  The vote bolsters plans to build a $100 million, 13-story Islamic mosque on what many consider to be sacred ground.

"The actions taken by the City of New York represent a blatant disregard for the city's own procedures, while ignoring the fact that this is a historic and hallowed site that should not be destroyed to build an Islamic mosque,"  said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ.  "It has been clear from the beginning that the city has engaged in a rush to push this project through-ignoring proper procedure and ignoring a growing number of New Yorkers and other Americans who don't believe this site is the place to build a mosque."

The ACLJ has presented New York City officials with oral and written testimony urging them to landmark the site.  In its testimony, the ACLJ argued that "the building links two distinct periods in American history.  It reflects the growth and rise of American free enterprise and stands as a symbol of America's strength and survival in the face of brutal, sadistic terrorism."

You can read the ACLJ's letter submitted to the city here.

The ACLJ is planning to file an Article 78 petition in state court to challenge the city's actions, alleging that there has been an abuse of discretion in the Commission's decision.  The filing is expected to occur tomorrow.

The ACLJ represents Tim Brown, a decorated firefighter and first responder, who survived the Twin Towers' collapse and lost nearly 100 friends.  The ACLJ also represents thousands of Americans who have signed on to the Committee to Stop the Ground Zero Mosque-citizens who oppose building an Islamic mosque on this site, which should be used to honor and preserve the memory of 9/11 and its victims.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.  The ACLJ is online at www.aclj.org. 

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