Abstract space: Soma Architects provided the renderings of the exterior and interior of the Park 51 development. The developers say the idea behind the design was to provide a futuristic and 'fun' space for all New Yorkers
Opponents have sought to link people involved in the project to Islamic militancy, partly by looking for past public statements in which they were critical of the US or Israel.
El Gamal, who spent his early childhood in New York with his Polish, Catholic mother, then moved abroad with his Egyptian father, a Chemical Bank executive, after his mother died, says those efforts are ridiculous.
But he acknowledged that intense scrutiny of the project will make tasks like gathering donations and selecting board members more laborious.
'We're going to have to run this just like a political campaign,' vetting every donated dollar to see where it comes from, he said.
The center has set a goal of raising $27million through a nationwide appeal to Muslims, interfaith groups and other philanthropists, but most of the $120 million to $140 million needed for construction would be raised by issuing a type of bond common in Islamic banking.
The instrument provides some of the same borrowing benefits as a standard construction bond, but complies with a religious prohibition against charging interest on a loan.
Comparisons: The Park 51 plan has been likened, albeit ironically, to the crystalline 'Fortress of Solitude' of all-American hero Superman
El Gamal said he hoped the bonds could be issued by a public development authority, which would allow investors to get them tax-free, but said that is not essential to move the project forward.
Revenue for operations would come from membership dues.
The goal is to have around 4,300 paying members, with about half paying $2,700 per year for a family plan that would include fitness center access.
Both the center's programming and business plan were modeled largely after the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, a popular facility on the Upper West Side where El-Gamal is a member.
El Gamal said he hoped the prayer space would serve a congregation of around 2,000 people, most of whom would probably be Muslims who work downtown. Around 500 to 600 worshipers are already attending services at the site, a former discount clothing store.
Big steps ahead for the project include resolving the relationship between the new non-profit group that will operate the center, and the eight-person real estate investment partnership led by El Gamal that controls the real estate on which it would be built.
A protester at the Landmarks Commission meeting that cleared the way for the Islamic center near Ground Zero, New York
Buying out the investment partnership is probably the first step, El Gamal said, although the details of how that will happen are still not finalized.
One of his partners in the real estate deal, Hisham Elzanaty, has said that while he supports the idea of the center, he also needs his investment to turn a profit.
El Gamal said Elzanaty was a partner, and that 'his consent and approval' were necessary to the project, but he didn't foresee that as any obstacle.
A bigger challenge could be persuading enough New Yorkers that the project is just another community center.
El Gamal said he is optimistic his message will eventually break through.
He said the group is planning a series of town hall style meetings in which the relatives of 9/11 victims would be encouraged to voice their concerns.
At the very least, he said, the project is on the map.
'From a publicity standpoint, I think we've gotten $50 million worth of press,' El Gamal said. 'It was good people that came together with good intentions, and when that happens, good things usually come out of it.'
SYMBOL OF RELIGIONS AROUND THE WORLD: USES OF THE HEXAGRAM
Source: http://800pg.co.cc/geeklog//article.php?story=20101027200740514
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