(CNN) – A New York City preservation commission has cleared the way for an Islamic center and mosque to be built just blocks from Ground Zero. That's after the panel voted against protecting an abandoned building that's standing in the way of the project.
The commissioners voted unanimously against landmark status for 45-47 Park Place. It and an adjoining building already connected on the inside, 49-51 Park Place, are owned by real estate developer Soho Properties, which intends to build the Islamic center two blocks north of the former site of the World Trade Center.
Backers of the center say they plan to use it to promote interfaith understanding, but critics don't buy it and have vowed to sue the city. Our Jason Carroll reports on the heated and passionate debate. Watch 
Landmark status resolved, NYC group moves forward on Islamic center