ConEd's Bid to Evict NYC Mosque Developer Nixed for Now

A utility can't evict the would-be developer of a mosque near ground zero from a piece of the planned Islamic center site, at least for now.

A Manhattan court ruling made public Tuesday says Consolidated Edison can't boot out the Park51 developers while a rent dispute plays out.

The utility owns one of two adjoining parcels that would house the planned mosque.

Con Ed says Park51 owes $1.7 million in back rent. Park51 says Con Ed is miscalculating the property value and rent.

Con Ed says it's pleased the ruling orders Park51 to pay $25,000 a month in rent while the court fight continues. The developer has recently paid about half that.

Park51 also must put up a $780,000 bond for back rent.

Park51's lawyer didn't immediately return a call.