Opponents pack hearing on mosque near ground zero

NEW YORK -- Dozens of opponents to a mosque planned near ground zero have attended a raucous hearing about whether the building should become a New York City landmark.

Rick Lazio - the Republican candidate for governor - was among the witnesses testifying Tuesday in support of landmark status for the building near the site of the Sept. 11 attacks.

He said the building was "a place of deep historical significance" because it was struck by airplane debris on 9/11.

Landmarking status could complicate plans by Muslim groups to develop a community center and mosque at the site.

The city's Landmark Preservation Commission was not expected to rule Tuesday on whether the building should become a landmark.

Sun Herald

Wesley College plans to close

FLORENCE — Wesley College leaders say they plan to close at the end of the month because the school has about $2.7 million in debt.

The cozy college, owned by the Congregational Methodist Church, has operated at its Mississippi 469 site, off U.S. 49, since 1972. Debt accrued from building a new dorm and a drop in contributions are the reasons the college is closing.

Registrar Charity Nelson said the college’s leaders learned of the closure Wednesday and have since notified students enrolled for fall classes. Nelson said the college plans to notify other students and alumni shortly.

The college has about 140 students per semester with 40 percent living on campus.

“We want to make sure our students are taken care of,” Nelson said. “We’re looking to make sure our students are placed.”

Nelson said the college has been in communication with other institutions. The college is known for its pastoral ministry program.

Clarion Ledger

Canton zoning denies apartments 4-0

Appeal can still be made to aldermen

The Canton Zoning Commission on Monday night in 4-0 vote denied a request for a rezoning that would have allowed a controversial apartment complex near Gluckstadt.

Developers have the right to appeal the decision directly to the Canton Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

Two members of the Zoning Commission abstained.

More than 100 people, most from the Gluckstadt area, packed Canton City Hall for a 1.5-hour meeting.

Madison County Journal