Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
September 11th Memorial Family Board Committee Meeting
By: Colleen Ashton, Sister of Tommy Ashton

The Family Advisory Board of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) met on Thursday, February 28, 2002 for the first time at 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza. The LMDC is charged with overseeing the September 11th Memorial and other projects. The role of the Family Advisory Board is to hear memorial proposals and make recommendations. The Board is made up of representatives from LMDC, as well as several representatives from the Family Groups.

This initial meeting involved a discussion of our responsibilities, hearing proposals for temporary memorials, and a discussion of such memorials. A permanent memorial is a long-term plan and will probably take several years of discussions.

Anthony Gardner, a family member, brought up his concern with the increasing number of street vendors that have arisen, selling WTC pictures in the area surrounding Ground Zero. He expressed concern for with the possibility that these vendors will also attempt to sell their products at both the temporary and permanent memorials.

Mary Facet, another family group member, brought up the concern with the location of the current private family viewing platform. This area does not allow family members to see directly into the area at Ground Zero that is being worked on. She also suggested that the first day of the temporary memorial (March 11th) be a day where family members can privately view the memorial.

Two temporary memorial proposals were brought to the Board. The first presenter was Kent Bushwick, who presented a Tribute of Lights. Two strands of lights would be shown vertically upward from the hours of 11:00am – 11:00pm at Lot 26 in Battery Park City, north of Ground Zero, beginning on March 11th. This tribute would end on April 13th at 11:00pm. The lights would be able to be seen from an area of approximately 5 miles away from the site. The concern was raised that some family members might be upset with this simulation of the Towers, due to the fact that the design and construction of the buildings probably contributed to the loss of so many lives. Mr. Bushwick described this as a temporary filling of the space in the New York City skyline. He stated that this is not meant as a replication of the Twin Towers, but instead as a tribute to all the victims who lost their lives on that awful day.

The second proposal was delivered by Chris Glasisek. This temporary memorial will be largely made up of The Sphere that was located in the World Trade Center Plaza near the fountain. This Sphere was designed as a monument fostering world peace through global trade. The Sphere was damaged but recovered from the wreckage at Ground Zero. It is currently at JFK airport being de-contaminated of all toxic materials. The Sphere will be located in the Oval in Battery Park City. This is an area surrounded by a lot of trees and benches. It has direct access to the family viewing platform. This memorial is targeted to be completed by March 11th. One family member raised the concern that this proposal does not incorporate the people, adding that perhaps adding the names of the victims to this memorial would be a good idea. Anthony Gardener suggested adding hope to the memorial by incorporating a poem, etc. Richard Shira brought up the concern of security and access to the area. Lee Ielpi, another family member, suggested that we take into consideration the toll this would take on the residents of Battery Park City. A discussion took place as to whether Battery Park City is the right place to have such a memorial. Another family member suggested having more than just one day for family members to visit the memorial before the site was opened to the public. Christy Ferar agreed. Mary Facet suggested leaving something behind for the residents of Battery Park City (like a tree, etc) once the temporary memorial is removed. Chris responded that he would bring these ideas to his committee responsible for this memorial idea.

After the meeting concluded, Christy Ferar discussed a Memorial Ceremony for March 11th with family members who were interested in this event. Information on the event will be posted as it is made available to us...