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Amid contentious debate, the measure passed 29-to-1, with 10 abstentions.

The vote was not essential, but it is seen as key to obtaining public support for the project.

"I abstained. I don't think we should be voting on it. I know I'm voting for a house of worship, and I personally would support it. As a Community Board member -- it's not my pervue," said Community Board 1 member Paul Hovitz.

"We expected some opposition. I think we have reached a moment where certain things are starting to get flushed out. Certain emotions are coming to the surface. We have learned a lot from this. We certainly take into consideration the concerns people have. I'm actually glad this kind of debate is taking place," said Daisy Khan of the Cordoba House.

Meanwhile, a decades-old landmark status application could still threaten the project.

City officials said Monday that the 150-year-old building that would be torn down for the mosque is historically and architecturally significant, as it was constructed in the Italian Renaissance palazzo style.

It was proposed as a landmark in the late 1980s, but after an initial public hearing, no action was taken.

The landmarks Preservation Commission says it will hold another public hearing early this summer. The commission says even if the building is given landmark status, the building could still be altered for use as a mosque.

The Cordoba Institute's $100 million plan to transform the former Burlington Coat Factory has angered some residents and families of September 11th victims, who say it's insensitive.

Those behind the project say it would help to improve relations between Muslims and non-Muslims around the world.