ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. David Paterson expects to meet soon with developers of a proposed Islamic cultural center and mosque near ground zero.
The purpose of the meeting isn’t clear.
Paterson last week offered his help and the possibility that state land could be provided as an alternative site for the project, which has ignited nationwide debate over freedom of religion versus anger over the Sept. 11 attacks.
Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook says the governor’s office and developers have been working together on the staff level. But Hook says there have been no formal talks between the Democratic governor and the imam or developer behind the $100 million project two blocks from the former site of the World Trade Center.
The Washington Post first reported the talks.
