[MarchHare]

1. How can you build bridges when 70+% of your neighbours see this project as deeply offensive? Wouldn't being open to the idea of moving this project to a different local be a great first step in bridge building?

How do you define "neighbours"? In the Manhattan borough, 53% support the complex compared to 31% who oppose it.

http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-cont...enter_Site.htm

2. How will this project build bridges? Will it be similar to a YMCA where anyone (Jews, Atheists, Christians, vegans, etc...) can come to use the facilities? Will this be a centre that will root out extremism and help steer people away from extremism?

Funny you should mention the YMCA. That's exactly the model they're using for the center.

Oz Sultan, the programming director for the center, said the complex was based on Jewish community centers and Y.M.C.A.’s in Manhattan. It is to have a board composed of Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders and is intended to create a national model of moderate Islam.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/31/ny...sque.html?_r=1

The founders of Cordoba House, as the Islamic Center is to be called, have said they would like it to be similar to the 92nd Street Y, a mainly Jewish organization that is open to the community no matter what their faith.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society...-far-from-over

3. Why build ANOTHER mosque in Manhattan? If Masjid is too small why not spend the money to upgrade that facility instead?

A mosque is just one part of the building.

Plans are for the facility to include a 500-seat auditorium, theater, performing arts center, fitness center, swimming pool, basketball court, childcare area, bookstore, culinary school, food court serving halal dishes, and Islamic prayer space for 1,000–2,000 Muslims.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park51