On behalf of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), I would like to wish you a peaceful holiday season - our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Several family members have expressed a desire to access the World Trade Center site during the upcoming holiday season. The LMDC and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have made special arrangements to allow family members access to the area at the bottom of the ramp.

Each Sunday from December 8th through January 5th, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., a Port Authority Police Officer will be available to escort family members down the ramp to a designated area at the bottom. Family members will be allowed in this designated area for 15 minutes. Family members should enter the security gate at Washington and Liberty Streets (same place as the Family Room), indicate they are a family member who wishes to visit the site, and provide the Port Authority Police Officer or the security guard with the Medical Examiners Family ID Card or the P or T number. If you don't have a Family ID Card or were not assigned a P or a T number you will need will to provide additional background information relevant to your loved one. After you show photo-id you will be admitted.

Since this is a working construction site, family members are asked not to leave flowers or memorabilia while visiting the designated area, but instead take advantage of the family rooms provided by the LMDC and Port Authority (please see the end of this email for more information on the family rooms). For your safety, we encourage you to wear appropriate shoes and dress warmly. The ramp area is often windy and can become icy during inclement weather.

Access to the World Trade Center site

When: Every Sunday from December 8th through January 5th (12/8, 12/15, 12/22, 12/29, 1/5)
Time: 11am - 3pm
Escorts: In order to accommodate all family members who may wish to access the site, escorts will be provided in 15 minute intervals with a group size maximum set at 10.

Please direct all questions about site visits to Davella May of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at 212-435-5552

Sincerely,

Tara M. Snow
Vice-President for Government Relations
& Community Affairs
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
One Liberty Plaza
20th Floor
New York, NY 10006
212-962-2300
tsnow@empire.state.ny.us

The Family Rooms

The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority) recognize the importance of the World Trade Center site to the families who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001 and their need to visit the site. The LMDC and the Port Authority have created two areas for the families to observe the site in quiet contemplation - The One Liberty Plaza Family Room, located on the 20th floor of One Liberty Plaza, which overlooks the World Trade Center Site, and the Liberty Street Family Room, on Liberty Street, which is located at the World Trade Center Site. Both of these areas provide a private, peaceful setting for the families. Each area has very similar procedures, however, they do differ. Please read the procedures and hours of operation carefully. It's very important that these procedures are followed to ensure your privacy and safety.

The One Liberty Plaza Family Room, located on the 20th Floor of One Liberty Plaza, was established in early April in response to a request by the families for a private, elevated indoor area overlooking the World Trade Center site. The Family Room contains comfortable couches and a children's play area with toys, books etc. The Family Room replaced the outdoor viewing area created for the families after September 11th, which was located on the corner of Liberty and West Streets. The Family Room also contains personal items and photographs that were part of the outdoor viewing area created for the families after September 11th. Families continue to bring pictures, poems, cards and other personal items to the room.

The One Liberty Plaza Family Room is staffed by the Port Authority Police Department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Families should enter the building using the Liberty Street entrance during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9-5) and through the Broadway entrance off-hours (after 5:00 p.m. weeknights, Saturday, Sunday and holidays). Families should go to the security desk and indicate they would like to visit the Family Room. Families will need to provide security with the Medical Examiners Family Identification Card (please see below for more information on the Family ID
Card) or the P or T number. If you were not assigned a P or a T number and you don't have a Family ID Card you will need to provide additional background information relevant to your loved one. After you show photo identification you will be given a visitor pass that is valid for that day. PLEASE WEAR THIS PASS AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN THE BUILDING.

Family members are allowed to bring guests. However, we ask you to limit the number to one or two if possible. The room only holds 30 people and it is very important this number be adhered to for safety reasons.

If there are large groups of people expected to visit the Family Room, family members need to call the Mayor's Community Assistance Unite (CAU) at 212-788-7418 with the group's contact name, date, time and group size at least one day in advance. We also request that you provide the CAU with a list of family members in advance of your visit to speed up the admission process.

The Liberty Street Family Room, located on Liberty Street directly at the World Trade Center site (south side), was created in September 2002, by the Port Authority of NY/NJ in response to a request by the families for an on-site viewing location. The Liberty Street Family Room allows family members to view the World Trade Center Site from Liberty Street. It is in a secured area guarded by the Port Authority Police Department and a private security guard. The Liberty Street Family Room is open 7-days a week from
9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (please note: it is not open 24 hours). Families
must
enter at Washington and Liberty Streets. The Liberty Street Family Room accommodates up to 15 people. If the room is filled to capacity, there is an outside viewing area next to the building, however, it is a shared common
area. Families may bring pictures, poems, cards and other personal
items
to the room.

The same procedures will be followed to gain entry. Families should enter the security gate at Washington and Liberty Streets and indicate they are a family member and would like to visit the Family Room. Families will need to provide the Port Authority Police Officer or the security guard with the Medical Examiners Family ID Card or the P or T number. If you don't have a Family ID Card or were not assigned a P or a T number you will need will to provide additional background information relevant to your loved one. After you show photo-id you will be admitted.

If there are large groups of people expected to visit the Liberty Street Family Room, please contact Davella May at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at 212-435-5552 or by email at dmay@panynj.gov <mailto:dmay@panynj.gov> any day during the week to make arrangements (please note: this is a different number from the One Liberty Plaza Family Room).

Medical Examiner's Family Identification Cards - The Medical Examiner's Office is now issuing Identification Cards to Family Members. If you would like to schedule an appointment to receive one, please contact the Medical Examiners office at 212-447-7884 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. seven days a week.

If you have any questions, please contact
Tara Snow of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
either by email at tsnow@empire.state.ny.us or by calling 212-962-2300 PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS

Click Below for Printable Version
Click Here for Mission Statement
Acrobat Reader will be needed to view this file

Memorial Mission Statement
Prepared by the LMDC FAC and the Coalition of 9/11 Families

This Memorial remembers and honors the thousands murdered in this savage attack on our democracy, the endurance of those who survived, the courage of those who risked their lives to save others and the compassion of those who supported us in our darkest hours. May it reaffirm our resolve to preserve our freedom and to end hatred, ignorance, intolerance and strife.

Guidance: Memorial Themes

Through a variety of symbolic and commemorative tributes and/or displays, the Families Advisory Council, as representatives of the families of victims killed on September 11th, 2001, wish the memorial to incorporate the following themes:

Remembrance- of those who died,

Recognition- of the courage of all those who helped during all phases of this event, and those who fought terrorism afterwards, with a special tribute to the spirit and unity that characterized the response of the community, the nation and the world following the attacks,

Reverence & Respect- conveyed through powerful, awe-inspiring imagery that creates a sense of reverence for the place of this tragic loss and respect for the remains interred here,

Compassion and Inspiration-to enable visitors to understand the tragedy of the lives lost and dreams unfulfilled and to inspire them to work to end hatred, ignorance, intolerance and strife.

Reflection on the historical context—honest and forthright portrayal of the events surrounding the September 11th attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, including how they were planned and carried out by Islamic terrorists whose goals were to strike at our nation’s basic values and institutions, and how the nation responded and recovered in the aftermath of this tragedy.

Program Elements

Elements below have been grouped according to whether they are associated with the Memorial program or whether they are associated with other “Memorial Development Areas”. This programmatic grouping is based on a distinction that the Memorial’s primary purpose is associated with the remembrance of the victims of the attacks with the other important themes of the Mission Statement being addressed by program elements in the surrounding Memorial Development Areas. The overall design and functionality of the Memorial and related Memorial Development Areas will need to be closely coordinated with other site developments, infrastructure and the opportunities for three-dimensional site development. All symbols and displays shall be enduring in form and content and appropriate to the culture and environment of New York and our nation. Important program elements and features should include the following:

Memorial Elements:

1. Identification by name each victim of the September 11 attacks that occurred in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania,

2. A tomb for the internment of unidentified remains

3. An area for quiet visitation and contemplation near the area of internment

4. Specific delineation of the footprints

5. Restoration of the memorial honoring the victims of the 1993 terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center

Other Memorial Development Area Elements:

1. Symbolic acknowledgement of injured survivors of the September 11th attacks in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania,

2. Symbolic acknowledgement of all who aided in rescue, recovery and healing

3. Symbolic elements to enhance the memorial experience such as the return of the Fritz Koenig globe sculpture, the iron cross and eternal flame from Battery Park, possible water features, tributes in lights, trees, and other greenery and landscaping appropriate to the surroundings,

4. Special displays and memorial areas suitable for children, both physically and cognitively,

5. Information displayed in an area, preferably in a museum-type setting which includes a) commemoration of the victims as individuals-family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and members of their communities, b) historical information on the World Trade Center and surrounding area and c) historical information of the events of September 11 and its aftermath,

6. Elements illustrative of the extent of the attacks (i.e. section(s) of the WTC building façade, retaining the adjacent damaged building façade, sections of WTC steel structure, access to the exposed slurry wall) and some way of commemorating the size and scale of the Twin Towers and its unique features (i.e. Windows on the World, etc.)

7. Elements symbolizing the international impact of the attacks (i.e. victims from over 90 different nations),

8. Facilities to serve the visiting public and a common meeting areas for Memorial-related events

9. Areas allowing for remembrance and recognition in the form of spontaneous expressions (i.e. people leaving mementos and other personal items).

Design Guidelines

1. The Memorial should be the centerpiece of the 16-acre site and should drive the design of other site development.

2. The Memorial design should reflect the recommendations of the Families Advisory Council with input from other advisory councils and a community review process.

3. The elements of the Memorial are expected to encompass both indoor and outdoor spaces and take advantage of the both on-grade and below-grade areas of the site. Access, circulation, and public spaces that are appropriate to the needs of the different elements of the Memorial should be incorporated and integrated with other on-site developments.

4. The entire 16-acre WTC site shall be considered to be part of a “Memorial Development.” Buildings, signage, site features, transportation facilities and anything constructed or operated within the boundary of the entire 16-acre WTC site should be done in accordance with “Memorial” design and operation standards for both immediate development and any future modifications and should preserve a sense of dignity and respect to the Memorial areas. (i.e. street vendors of 9/11 memorabilia should be prohibited from the 16-acre area). There should be distinct entranceways that transition the visitors from the surrounding development into the Memorial.

5. While the entire 16-acre site should be viewed with reverence, the area between Vesey to the north, Liberty to the south, West Street to the west and demapped Greenwich to the east, from bedrock to infinity above, with the exception of the pre-existing Path tracks, should be the primary location of the Memorial elements and should not include areas of commercial development unrelated to the Memorial to the greatest extent possible without compromising the reverence of the site.

6. The Memorial tomb element may require a large structure, which may be located either inside or outside. This structure will require a number of special features to be determined in conjunction with the Medical Examiner’s Office, who will continue to need access should technology improvements allow further opportunity for identification.

7. Depending on the overall arrangement of the site, the possible extensions of Greenwich, Fulton, Dey, Cortland or any other proposed street may present unacceptable intrusions into the Memorial areas. Specific consideration should be given to limiting these access ways only for pedestrian, service, or emergency vehicular traffic. Access by service vehicles must be limited so as not to disrupt the reverence of the Memorial area. For any roadways that need to be located within or around the Memorial area, special noise reduction features should be incorporated including berms and buffers if required.

8. The Memorial elements may include a diverse grouping of facilities with different support requirements. It is expected that both at-grade and extensive below-grade infrastructure will be needed. It is imperative that this infrastructure as well as transportation facilities required by the Memorial be supportive of the stated themes and environment of the Memorial. Specifically, bus, motorized or vehicular traffic intrusions into or adjacent to Memorial areas should be minimized. The location of the new or rebuilt subway and PATH stations, as well as any new tracks, should be kept outside the quadrant described in #5 above in order to avoid circulation conflicts that would detract from the Memorial experience. If it is ultimately determined that the permanent, rebuilt PATH station cannot be located outside the quadrant, it should be located outside the footprints, which is the area previously occupied by the North and South towers as well as the Marriott Hotel, from bedrock below to infinity above.

9. The Memorial elements should provide for both outside areas that are always accessible and inside areas with controlled and secure access. The Memorial should be designed for year round and evening use.

10. The Memorial in every respect should embrace design excellence. The designer of the Memorial and its associated elements should be selected as a result of an international design competition. The design selection jury (i.e. recommended 10 member maximum) should include at least two members of the Families Advisory Council to be elected by Family Advisory Council members...

11. The design concepts and the interpretive aspects of the Memorial should be designed to withstand the test of time. The designer should strive to incorporate architecture, symbolism and features that will be relevant for future generations. For outside elements, particular attention should be given to the sight lines so that visitors approaching the site from any direction are impressed with its aesthetic magnificence. For inside areas, particular attention should be given to developing spaces appropriate to the symbolism and theme associated with the element. Design features and all facilities should incorporate materials and systems that are appropriately designed for “monumental” long life standards so as to withstand the elements, the expected visitor’s traffic, and the city environment that surround it.

12. All development within the 16-acre Memorial site area, the design and operating standards for all building construction and operation must be in compliance with federal, state and local building codes—particularly in the areas of life safety. Furthermore, any high-rise buildings (i.e. over 30 stories) must not only be in compliance with all existing life safety requirements but also serve as a nationwide “model” for improvements in high-rise life-safety. Specifically, building structural integrity must be preserved through a combination of redundant structural design, fire protection and smoke evacuation systems; safe egress must be ensured for both the occupants that survive the initial event and access by emergency workers through a combination of redundant, secure and accessible stairwells or a highly-protected emergency elevator system; emergency communication systems must be operable and accessible by those in need; building and operation procedures must include roof top evacuation methodologies. Oversight of compliance with these enhanced building safety standards will be provided by a Special Design Review Committee consisting of officials from the New York City Fire Department, other local building officials, and a designated representative from the Families Advisory Council. The City will be requested to withhold issuance of any building permit until a thorough review and approval is provided by this oversight committee to ascertain compliance with an enhanced high-rise safety standard.

LMDC Visits Stamford, Conn.

Officials from the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. invite anyone interested to attend an event to provide an opportunity to express your ideas and thoughts about the creation of a permanent memorial and the future uses of the WTC site.

Saturday, November 16th from 1:00-3:00pm
At the Sheraton Hotel in Stamford, CT (2701 Summer St.)
A buffet lunch will be provided at 12:30pm.

RSVP to Connecticut Helps - Office of Family Support
860-418-6262

Architect teams get new guidelines for WTC site

By TARA BURGHART Associated Press Writer

October 12, 2002, 1:46 AM EDT

NEW YORK -- Six teams of architects have been given eight weeks to submit new designs for the World Trade Center site, with instructions to restore the city's distinctive skyline and leave the footprints of the towers untouched.

The Lower Manhattan Development Corp., charged with rebuiling the site, revised its instructions after six original proposals submitted this summer were widely criticized as unimaginative.

The new guidelines are less stringent, requiring only 6.5 million to 10 million square feet of office space in each new design. The original plans called for 11 million square feet.

The architects spoke with pride and emotion as they received their new instructions Friday.

"This is one of the most important things we as architects can contribute in our city and in our lifetime," said Richard Meier, who designed the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

The designs are due in eight weeks, said Roland Betts, a member of the board of directors of the development corporation.

The six teams of architects were chosen from 407 submissions and include architects from Berlin, London, Amsterdam, Tokyo and several native New Yorkers. They were told not to design a memorial _ that will come later.

Robert Yaro, president of the Regional Plan Association, which is not involved in rebuilding the trade center site, said he was troubled that the architects were having to incorporate space for a memorial they know nothing about.

"We don't know what the memorial is going to be _ is it a tower, a museum, a plaza, a restored ruin, a sculpture?" he said.

He said the redevelopment should be driven by a vision for the economic future of the whole district _ and "it's not clear this does that."

In addition to barring commercial or retail development on the footprints of the twin towers, the guidelines tell architects to replenish the city's skyline with a tall symbol or structure "that would be recognized around the world is crucial to restoring the spirit of the city."

Each design must also include a conference center and hotel, occupying up to 1 million square feet, and a grand indoor train station, with a strong street presence on Church and Greenwich streets.

Fulton Street, once cut off by the trade center, must be restored as a major, pedestrian-friendly east-west artery in Lower Manhattan.

"This an extraordinarily challenging project," said Sir Norman Foster, whose projects have included restoration of the Reichstag in Berlin. "It's about opposites, in a way. It's about remembering and it's about a celebration of life."

___P>

On the Net:

Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Corp.: http://www.renewnyc.com

Copyright © 2002, The Associated Press

NY 1

Families, Workers Lobby To Keep Steel Cross At WTC Site

OCTOBER 05TH, 2002

Two steel beams from the World Trade Center site fused together in the shape of a cross have become a symbol of hope and peace, and now victims' family members and recovery workers want the cross to become part of a permanent memorial.

Representatives for the families and workers made their case at the collapse site on Friday. They say they're sending Governor George Pataki and the Port Authority a petition with more than 50,000 signatures urging them to keep the cross where it is.

“I watched it heal people, and I know it could do that to many more, so if there are people out there needing faith to help them heal, this icon will do that,” said ironworker Frank Silecchia.

“Nothing on this earth kind of makes sense to us, but this is something from somewhere else that was sent to us giving everybody hope,” said Jane Pollicino, who lost her husband at the World Trade Center.

The cross was consecrated one year ago, and was home to a weekly prayer service for recovery workers until the work ended in May. The cross was supposed to be removed after the first anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attack.

“There's no reason [to remove it],” said Rev. Brian Jordan of St. Francis of Assisi Church. “They're not building on the ground, there are no plans as of yet for a permanent memorial, and there are no plans as of yet to deal with the site, therefore, why can't it stay here?”

NY1 reached out to the Port Authority for comment on this story, but have yet to get a response.

The LMDC public meeting held in Queens
By: Kathy Ashton, Mother to Tommy Ashton, WTC 1

The LMDC public meeting held in Queens on 8/29/02 was sparsely attended. However, the family members present were quite vocal. The following points were raised:

1. Several people (families and others, including Chamber of Commerce member, George Rozansky) were critical of the LMDC Family Advisory Committee's Mission statement. Criticisms included :

- The statement of planes crashing into the towers did not accurately describe this. It was NOT an airline disaster.

- It is too politically correct, does not convey REAL feelings, is too cold, does not speak of anger or pain. The Mission statement does NOT speak to people.

2. Process is moving too fast and does not make sense. Professionals (architects, designers) criticized the process by calling attention to confusion over how development of the site can be coordinated with the Memorial process if the time lines are different. This confusion over the process was reiterated several times by professionals present.

3. Families stated they have not been included in the process. They were very critical of the mayor for NOT providing information (except for a couple of short letters) and stated the mayor has consistently shown disdain for families.

4. The Coalition's footprints were defined as the bathtub area both above and below ground.

5. The importance of the Memorial is to honor those murdered and to convey the historical significance of the event.

6. The interests af ALL (families, residents, business, NYC and America) can be satisfied with creative urban planning.

LMDC Forum for NJ Families - notes
Submitted By: Julie Boryczewski, Sister of Martin Boryczewski, Cantor WTC 1

On August 28, Governor Jim McGreevey hosted a town hall meeting between the families who lost loved ones on September 11th and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PA) and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC). The meeting was originally slated to allow the families to present their comments and criticisms concerning the 6 building concepts presented by LMDC and the PA. However, as the 6 plans are no longer viable, the discussion focused on allowing the families to present their opinions on the memorial, the rebuilding of the area, and other “issues/concerns” faced on a daily basis. Approximately 40 to 50 family members attended the forum, which took place in Rutgers Busch Campus. The forum began with a review of the key elements for rebuilding by representatives of both agencies.

Although a volunteer representative acted as moderator; who, at times tried to shorten some comments/concerns voiced by Family members; the Governor, so as to not allow any family member to be interrupted, consistently rebuked him. Many times throughout the evening, the Governor would interrupt the moderator – and say, “let her finish speaking!” As the meeting progressed, Governor McGreevey eventually took over the role of moderator and allowed all of the family members to speak openly and honestly.

Many of the comments were angry and the emotions were raw. Also, many of the issues/concerns raised include other frustrations the Families have been experiencing to date. The following are the main topics of which were discussed openly.

· Many of the members of the audience voiced their appreciation to the Governor, as they felt that the New Jersey Families had been ignored in many of the ongoing meetings and decisions to date. They felt that without the Governor, they would have had no voice. Many of the Families also felt that New York was providing them with no information on all matters relating to September 11th, not just the memorial process. Strong underlying tone of displeasure with current communications or lack thereof to date. Suggestions made to also include expanded Family members (not just legal next of kin) to be privy and included to all information circulated.

· The mission statement was analyzed and there was agreement that the words 'United' and 'American' airlines should be removed. Consensus around usage of ‘hijacked airplanes’ is more appropriate. Further discussions by some of the audience felt that the mission statement should be examined by a legal firm to verify that it would provoke no lawsuit, especially as it pertained to the responsibility of the airlines.

· Many Family members in the audience voiced their anger and hurt. Strong, shared feeling that there is far too much emphasis on the uniformed agencies. The memorial must represent all victims equally, whether civilians, rescue workers, police, or firefighters. All in attendance agree “All are Heroes on September 11th”. As well as some feel their loved ones are the first casualties in the current war.

· Many questions were asked as to the decision to discuss rebuilding before addressing the plans for the memorial.

· Many in the audience felt that the competition for the memorial design should be a national competition, not an international competition.

· Several in the audience insisted that the entire area be a memorial and that no rebuilding take place, as the area is a cemetery and hallowed ground.

· One woman, whose husband worked as a civilian for the PA, angrily and emotionally attacked the agency for not supporting civilian PA employees who died, only concentrating on the PA police. She poignantly denounced their attempts to only regard the fireman who worked for the PA as being heroes. Civilians were heroes too.

· Many in the audience insisted that a private area be designed for the family members only.

· One woman wants the debris from Fresh Kills to be buried at the memorial. She has been in constant contact with many of the city agencies, as well as the groups represented at the meeting, trying to discover what plans they had for the debris and how large the debris field was. She angrily stated that everyone was "stormwalling" her attempt to discover the numbers. She also claimed that the city had already decided to throw grass seed on the Fresh Kills site and build a park on the ash remains that were at Fresh Kills. There were many in the audience who wanted the ash from Fresh Kills to be treated with the reverence it deserves, as it is hallowed ground, as well.

· There was agreement that the footprints (from bedrock) is hallowed ground. However, a question was asked as to why the transportation plan included building under the footprints. The footprints, both above and below is sacred, and provisions should be made to adjust the transportation plans to detour around the footprints.

· Interment of the unclaimed/unknown remains from the Medical Examiner’s office must be addressed as well as consideration for required facility to house.

Miscellaneous items discussed

· Governor McGreevey also stated that he did not feel that the proposal for a land swap was viable.

· The governor announced during the meeting that he had just signed a bill establishing a NJ memorial process.

· Also in attendance, was Nikki Stern, who lost her husband on September 11th, but who has devoted much of her time working with the LMDC Family Council, whom the Governor turned to, throughout the meeting for answers and follow-up. Ms. Stern is also the liaison to the Governor for the New Jersey Families.

· Other communication or lack thereof concerns raised regarding current situation (i.e., lack of communication, lack of availability, lack of information, lack of knowledge, lack of responsiveness).

NY - 1

Transit Hub Won't Cross Footprints Of Twin Towers

SEPTEMBER 01ST, 2002

The new transportation hub planned for Lower Manhattan will reportedly not be built underneath the so-called footprints of the twin towers.

According to the New York Times, the decision comes after pleas from victims’ families to keep the area where the skyscrapers once stood free of any businesses or commercial development, above ground or below.

An underground concourse lined with shops is planned to run through the World Trade Center site to connect the World Financial Center and the PATH commuter line to subway stops on the other side. The design will likely be altered so the concourse does not cross the footprints of the towers, which the families consider sacred and want reserved for a memorial, officials told the Times.

However, temporary PATH tracks are already being rebuilt as they were before September 11, running underneath where the south tower stood. Port Authority officials say permanent plans on whether the tracks will remain there are still being developed.

NY - 1

NY1 Town Meeting Focuses On Future Of WTC Site

AUGUST 29TH, 2002

NY1 News aired the fifth in its series of 9/11 Town Hall Meetings Thursday night, where a panel of experts and audience members debated the future of the World Trade Center site.

The forum tacked several issues related to the site's use, including the question of how to balance a 9-11 memorial with possible commercial development on the 16-acre site.

Among the participants were representatives of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, relatives of 9/11 victims, and residents of the Battery Park area.

The program was carried simultaneously on the C-SPAN2 cable channel and over the Internet via a live video feed.

The broadcast was the third NY1 town hall meeting carried live on national television. As in past weeks, NY1’s John Schiumo hosted the event from the Embassy Suites Hotel in Battery Park.

NY1 will rebroadcast Thursday's town hall meeting - as well as the others in the series - during the coming month. Previous town hall events centered on the impact of the 9/11 terror attacks on children, the response of charities to the attacks, the effects of the attacks on residents' mental and physical health, and life in the city after 9/11.

For more information on the organizations participating in the forum, visit the following websites:

* septembersmission.org
* nynv.aiga.org
* renewnyc.com
* teamtwintowers.org
* giveyourvoice.com

NY Post - 8/21/02

KIN'S ANGER BOILS OVER AT MEETING
By WILLIAM NEUMAN ------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 21, 2002 -- Relatives of World Trade Center victims lashed out in anger at redevelopment officials yesterday - accusing them of ignoring their concerns about a Ground Zero memorial.

"I'm not stupid - do you think any of our input is going to mean anything? It's all appeasement," Nic Chiaro, who lost his wife, Dorothy, on Sept. 11, said bitterly after a tense first "town hall" meeting with officials from the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. and the Port Authority.

Karen Ciaccio, whose firefighter brother, Jeffrey Walz, also perished in the terror attacks, bluntly told the panel at the Staten Island meeting: "I feel it's a waste of my time talking to you.

"I feel as if you already have a plan, and [public comment] is going in one ear and out the other."

"You don't know what we are going through - nothing from my brother was found but a crushed helmet," she said. "It comes down to the almighty dollar, and that's all you're concerned about. Just think about the victims before you go around building your high-rises."

About 70 people attended the hearing to discuss plans for a permanent memorial on the former WTC site. It was the first in a series of sessions to be held between officials and residents in the five boroughs, New Jersey and Connecticut.

LMDC President Lou Tomson responded to the criticism by saying, "We can just promise you we will try to do our best.

"The only way you can tell whether this is just a bunch of people putting you on . . . is to see what happens to your comments, to see if what you say is reflected in the [planning process]."

But many of the still-mourning residents said they were uncertain how decisions would be made.

"Who is the ultimate brain, so that when we say, ‘Oz has spoken,' who is the Oz?" asked Elliott Scheinberg, whose wife, Angela, was killed.

Nicole Petrocelli, who lost her husband, Mike, tried to explain her and other relatives' frustration this way: "It's very hard for us to sit here and listen to restoring the street grid and all these opportunities to be taken. "I understand the revitalization of downtown is necessary, but I don't think it has to be narrow-minded. The memorial has to be a starting point."

LMDC Forum in NJ for the Victims' Families
Submitted By: Julie Boryczewski, Sister of Martin Boryczewski, Cantor WTC 1

Governor McGreevey has requested the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation provide a forum in New Jersey for the families of the victims to ensure their voices are heard in the discussion over rebuilding Lower Manhattan. The special meeting to offer ideas, suggestions, and recommendations is scheduled for Thursday, August 28, 2002, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Rutgers University, New Brunswick at the Busch Campus Center of Rutgers University, located on Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ. In attendance will be representatives of the LMDC, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Beyer, Blinder, Belle - the architectural firm that developed the six site land use proposals. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, voice their opinions, and share ideas.

Governor McGreevey states that the input of New Jersey families is essential to ensuring an appropriate plan is developed for the World Trade Center site that honors the memory of those who lost their lives. If you would like to attend or require additional information, please contact the Office of Recovery and Victim Assistance at 609.777.1248 Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If you contact the office after hours, please leave a detailed message

WTC Memorial Competition Set

By Katia Hetter
NY Times
Staff Writer

August 15, 2002, 1:11 PM EDT

An international competition early next year could lead to a design for the World Trade Center memorial by fall 2003, according to the Lower Manhattan Development Corp.’s Anita Contini.

“A defined and clearly articulated memorial process is critical to the success of creating a fitting memorial,” said Contini, LMDC’s vice president and director for the memorial, cultural and civic programs, speaking at Thursday's board meeting. “To ensure the memorial is not an afterthought, it is essential to be sure the plans for the memorial are coordinated with the overall site planning efforts at the World Trade Center site and with the surrounding area.”

The LMDC will set criteria for an international competition in ongoing discussions with its families advisory council and public hearings scheduled in each of New York City’s five boroughs and New Jersey over the next two months, said Contini.

The LMDC families advisory council has already written a preliminary mission statement, which has been sent with a questionnaire to more than 5,000 families of Sept. 11 victims.

A several-month delay in the selection of an overall site plan will complement the memorial process, which has been sped up, said LMDC chairman John Whitehead. “We’ll have better decisions on both if they can be done in tandem,” Whitehead said.

The delay is due to a decision by the LMDC and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to hire five new architecture firms to contribute more ideas for the site plans.

That means a final site plan — originally due Dec. 1 — could be ready two or three months later.

LMDC and the Port Authority Public Meetings on Memorial

The LMDC and the Port Authority are holding a series of public meetings throughout New York City over the next several weeks. The purpose of these meeting is to discuss with the public the next steps for developing a memorial mission statement, preliminary program and a memorial process. The LMDC and the Port Authority will also present the six concept plans. We have heard a tremendous amount of feedback already on these plans. At this hearing we would like to get more input on the specific elements of the concept plans such as the memorial area, the street grid, treatment of West Street, open space and the skyline. These are important elements that will part of Phase II of the planning study. It is our hope that you will attend these meetings and notify all your friends, neighbors and collegues that they are taking place.

Here are the list of the meetings:

Staten Island Public Meeting
The Auditorium at the Michael J. Petrides School
715 Ocean Terrace, Sunnyside
August 20th, 2002
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

For directions to the Michael J. Petrides School please contact:
the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce at (718) 727-1900

Brooklyn Public Meeting
New York City College of Technology
The City University of New York
Klitgord Auditorium
250 Jay Street, Downtown Brooklyn
August 21st, 2002
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

For directions to the New York City College of Technology please visit:
www.iBrooklyn.com or call (718) 875-1000 ext. 108

Bronx Public Meeting
Lehman College Concert Hall
250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
Kingsbridge - Bedford Park
August 22th, 2002
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

For directions to Lehman College please
visit www.lehman.cuny.edu or call (718) 960-8833

Queens Public Meeting
LaGuardia Community College
The City University of New York
Performing Arts Center - Main Stage Theater
31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City
August 29th, 2002
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

For directions to LaGuardia Community College
please visit www.lagcc.cuny.edu

Manhattan Public Meeting
Pace University
Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts
Spruce Street (between Gold Street and Park Row)
Lower Manhattan
September 5th, 2002
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

For directions to Pace University please visit
www.pace.edu or call 212-346-1133

Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC)
Family Advisory Committee Meeting
August 13, 2002
By: Kathy Ashton, Mother of Thomas Ashton

The meeting was conducted by Anita Contini, the new director of the Memorial process for the LMDC.

Discussions ensued concerning the following:

1. Public meetings to be held in all 5 boroughs regarding rebuilding of the World Trade Center site and the creation of a permanent Memorial to those lost on September 11, 2001. Family members are encouraged to attend.

2. A feasibility study being conducted by the Port Authority to determine whether the proposed transportation intermodal can be moved away from below the towers. Family members expressed concern that the area below-grade is sacred as is the surface.

3. Coalition members expressed frustration that the 6 proposals presented by the LMDC were not sensitive to the concepts contained in the Coalition’s position paper.

4. The Viewing Wall is being erected around the site. This transparent perimeter will contain intermittent panels depicting the history of the site, the sphere, the tribute of lights and other significant aspects of the site.

COALITION OF 9/11 FAMILIES POSITION ON WORLD TRADE CENTER MEMORIAL

RECOMMENDED GUIDING PRINCIPLES GOVERNING FUTURE USE OF THE WTC SITE:

The site must be treated with all of the reverence due to a hallowed burial ground. For many families, it does and will represent the final resting place of their loved ones. The entire site is a graveyard without tombstones for the families.

Treatment of the site must respect the personal grief of all families of victims of 9/11, and the collective pain and shock experienced by the city, state, nation and entire world.

Treatment of the site must honor the heroism and sacrifice of the many who gave their lives, and the many still living who offered their lives and services, for their fellow citizens.

Future uses at the site should make a positive contribution to the cultural and spiritual life of the city and the nation.

Structural development at the site should serve the purpose of memorializing the many facets of the events of September 11th for future generations.

RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THESE PRINCIPLES:

All discussions both in the short and long term that pertain to development of any kind should have substantial representation from the Coalition of 9/11 Families.

The Coalition believes as much acreage as possible, including WTC Tower 1, Tower 2 and the Marriott, must be entirely devoted to a Memorial and should have permanently protected legal status. This includes the area inside the quadrant of demapped Greenwich (East side), West Street (West side), Vesey (North side), and Liberty (South side). The Coalition leaders look forward to participating in an open dialogue with the LMDC to present reasons for this position.

The overriding purpose of architecture and landscaping at the site should be to make visitors aware of the enormity and reality of what happened here on September 11, 2001, and the personal sacrifices of those involved in September 11th events.

Treatment of the site should be parallel to the treatment of sites with comparable importance in American history, such as Pearl Harbor, Gettysburg and Normandy that contribute to economic, cultural and social values of New Yorkers, in the manner of Central Park, Lincoln Park in Chicago and The Mall in Washington, D.C.

The site can have a positive impact on the economy of the City through its contribution to tourism and to the cultural and spiritual life of New Yorkers.