NYC Islamic center likely years from being built
NEW YORK - The developer of an Islamic community center and mosque near ground zero says it may take years to determine what kind of project Muslims and non-Muslims want.
Sharif El-Gamal tells The New York Times that decisions will be made after consultation with lower Manhattan residents and New York City-area Muslims.
Judge tosses suit against N.Y.C. Islamic center
Pastor who planned mosque protest out of jail
Bill O'Reilly: "Muslims killed us on 9/11"
El-Gamal says that in the past year he's built relationships with neighborhood groups. He's recruited a 9/11 victim's relative to his advisory board and sought donors from around the country. He concedes he should have done those things before going public with the project.
(Last September, CBS' "60 Minutes" broadcast a look at the national debate on the planned Islamic center near ground zero.)
The heated debate over New York's Islamic center
Video: The people behind the mosque
Video: Imam speaks on moderates
He also says he'll only accept money from sources that reflect "American values."
El-Gamal's vision for the project remains unchanged: a mosque, health club, theater and religious and interfaith programming open to all.