Daniel Zuckerman is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Hudson’s Muslim community and various public officials gathered April 29 at the Hudson Islamic Center to break ground for a new community center. The center will consist of a library, prayer rooms and classrooms. The idea for the new center dates back to 2007, 3rd Ward Alderman Shershah Mizan said. The project is expected to cost $1.5 million and as of the groundbreaking, one-half of the amount needed has been raised, he said. The project is expected to take 18 months to complete. “We’ve got a big, long way to go,” Mizan said. In his remarks, Imam Abdullah Al Fawal challenged the audience to raise $25,000 toward the goal, and some individual audience members pledged $1,000. Elected officials who spoke during the ceremony included Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell, Columbia County Clerk Holly Tanner and 2nd Ward Alderman Abdus Miah. In his remarks, Mayor Rick Rector said the new center will be a wonderful gift to the city. “I congratulate you and thank you for what will certainly be a great new addition to Hudson and [a] grand testament to its diversity and goodness,” Rector said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.