NEW YORK – New York City officials say a plan to tear down a building and put up a mosque near the World Trade Center site will need the approval of a commission that protects landmarks.
They say the building Muslim groups plan to tear down to make room for the mosque and a cultural center is historically and architecturally significant. The building was constructed in the 1850s in the Italian Renaissance palazzo style and is noteworthy for its cast-iron storefront.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission is expected to hold a hearing to determine whether to preserve the lower Manhattan building, which is just blocks from ground zero.

The mosque plan has been opposed by Sept. 11 victims’ families and tea party activists.
A community board plans to vote Tuesday on whether to support the project.
Associated Press – May 24, 2010
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