N.Y. Muslims Plan YMCA-Style Center in Shadow of Ground Zero

A group of Muslims in Manhattan is building a community center modeled on YMCA facilities a block from the World Trade Center site, according to National Public Radio.

Organizers said the center, which will offer meeting and prayer space, sports facilities, and other services for Muslims and non-Muslims, is aimed at combating the influence of Islamic extremism and bringing people together across religious lines.

“We feel that we really can communicate a different ideology of Islam,” said Daisy Kahn, a leader of the effort.