As the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks approaches, controversy grows over the proposed building of a mosque and cultural center two blocks away from the site.

News 12 spoke with some residents who seem to be split on the issue.

Jean Oitice, whose husband died in the attacks at the World Trade Center, says she understands that the developers and worshipers are not the same ?madmen? that attacked the World Trade Center. At the same time, she says she feels the developers are doing it only to prove a point.

Zaed Ramadan, spokesman for the Hudson Valley Islamic Community Center in Mohegan Lake, says the developers are not defending what happened on Sept. 11, but that they are defending a constitutional right that all Americans enjoy.

Rallies for and against the mosque have been planned for Sept. 11. Families of those killed and Ramadan agree that it is not an appropriate time to protest.