Ground Zero 'Mosque' Clears Major Hurdle: What Do You Think of the Plan and Controversy?

Aug. 3, 2010— -- The so-called 'Ground Zero mosque' cleared a major hurdle today, although opponents vow they'll continue to fight its construction in lower Manhattan.

New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously voted down a proposal to give landmark status to an 1850s Italian Renaissance palazzo-style building that once housed a Burlington Coat factory. The building is used for Islamic prayer services.

Before the vote, Commission board member Stephen Byrns said the panel did not consider "how close is too close" to Ground Zero, instead focusing on the "historical and architectural significance" of the structure.

The rejection would clear the way for the plan to proceed; construction of a 15-story, $100 million building two blocks from where the World Trade Center once stood.

The plan has become a divisive lightning rod, with some New Yorkers and 9/11 family members expressing outrage, calling it a slap in the face. National politicians have seized on the plan, both in support and opposition.

The organization behind the facility, the Cordoba Initiative, insists that a mosque is not even in the plans. It says it's a community center, including a prayer center that would likely hold five-times-a-day Islamic prayers. It is also promising to include a memorial to the victims of 9/11, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Our question to you today: What do you think of the plan to build an Islamic cultural center near Ground Zero and the controversy it has sparked?

ABC News' Sarah Netter and Dan Harris contributed to this report.