Paterson to discuss ‘alternate location’ for New York mosque

New York Gov. David Paterson (D) will meet with the developer and imam of the proposed Islamic center near Ground Zero this week to discuss an “alternate location” for the controversial mosque, according to Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.). 

The group will discuss moving the center to an “alternate location,” King said.

King, a vocal critic of the project, said he received the news in a call from Paterson on Tuesday morning. 

A spokesman for Paterson provided more detail.

“We are working with the developers on a staff level but there have not been any formal discussions between the governor and imam or developer,” said Morgan Hook, of Paterson’s office. “However, we expect to have a meeting scheduled in the near future.”
 
Paterson said August 9 that he would offer state assistance if the builders would choose another location in Manhattan, which they refused. 

The governor, who is not seeking reelection, has said he has “no objection” to the project as planned, but he is “very sensitive to the desire of those who are adamant against it to see something else worked out.”