A rendering of Bowling Green Park after a proposed beautification.
Public
Meetings
The LMDC regularly holds public meetings to fulfill its pledge to conduct an inclusive, open and transparent planning process. These meetings provide the public with a forum to express their views on the future of Lower Manhattan. Public meetings are often facilitated by a neutral professional moderator to ensure that comments are collected in a fair and efficient manner. The comments provided at these meetings are then recorded and become part of the official record. LMDC also provides written comment cards.
Public Meetings 2002 ^Top
The corporation held its first public meeting on May 23, 2002 at Pace University in Lower Manhattan. Following the release of six initial World Trade Center site plans in July 2002, the LMDC sponsored Listening to the City, a modern town hall forum at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. Over 5,000 people from around the region participated at the Javits Center or in online Listening to the City discussions.
LMDC held additional public meetings in each of the five boroughs of New York City between August 20, 2002 and September 5, 2002, and in New Jersey on September 25, 2002. The public meetings included presentations on two topics, each followed by a comment period. The first presentation detailed the draft Memorial Mission Statement and preliminary program ideas for the memorial, and the second presentation addressed the various planning elements associated with the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site and adjacent areas. The public was invited to provide feedback in two ways - through oral comments at the hearing and through written comment cards that were provided to each attendee. LMDC also held meetings in New Jersey and Connecticut with family members of September 11th victims.
Plans in Progress ^Top
On December 18, 2002, LMDC released the results of the Innovative Design Study with nine design concept plans for the World Trade Center. At the same time, LMDC launched "Plans in Progress", a comprehensive outreach campaign to solicit public input on the nine design concepts. This campaign included three large scale public hearings to further engage the public in the rebuilding process and the creation of a permanent memorial. Public hearings were held at Pace University in Lower Manhattan on January 13 and 14, 2003. The hearings were simulcast to locations in each of the five boroughs of New York City and on Long Island. During the first public hearing, the public received a presentation about the nine design concepts for the World Trade Center site. The second meeting focused on the draft Memorial Mission Statement and Program for the World Trade Center memorial. On January 21, 2003, LMDC held a public hearing in New Jersey, to discuss the nine design concepts and the draft Memorial Mission Statement and Program. At each of these meetings, the public was encouraged to submit their comments and suggestions verbally and through written comment brochures that were part of LMDC's distributive materials.
Public Perspectives ^Top
The LMDC launched The World Trade Center Memorial Design Competition on April 28, 2003. Following this launch and the selection of the thirteen member memorial jury to choose the final design, the LMDC embarked on the "Public Perspectives" outreach campaign. This targeted outreach invited family members and the public to share their thoughts and feelings about what they think is important for the jury members to consider in their decision making process, and what they want the memorial to mean to future generations. A public forum was held on May 28, 2003 at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, and also web cast on the LMDC web site. The forum began with an introduction by LMDC President, Kevin Rampe, followed by brief autobiographies given by each of the twelve jury members that were present for the event. The public was able to share their hopes and aspirations for the World Trade Center Memorial in person, or through written comment on the distributed comment form.
Generic Environmental Impact Statement Draft Scope Public Hearing ^Top
In June of 2003 the LMDC began the Environmental Review Process of the World Trade Center Memorial and Redevelopment plan. The first step of the process was the release of the Draft Scope of Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). On July 23rd, 2003 the LMDC held public scoping meetings to solicit comment on the draft document which outlined the criteria that could be evaluated as part of the review process. Andrew Winters, LMDC's Vice President & Director of Planning Design and Development, presented the various components of the World Trade Center site plan that are discussed in the draft scope. Following the presentation members of the public shared their views on the draft scope and additional concerns that they felt should be considered throughout the environmental review process. A public comment period for additional written comment was open from June 22nd, 2003 through August 4th, 2003.
The Neighborhood Outreach Workshop Series ^Top
Through July and August, 2003 the LMDC, in conjunction with the City of New York, held a series of Neighborhood Outreach Workshops to solicit input from communities on their priorities as the LMDC, in cooperation with the State and the City, moves forward with developing additional programs and funding initiatives to fulfill its mission of revitalizing Lower Manhattan south of Houston Street. The LMDC gained invaluable insight throughout the series of the seven workshops held in the Financial District, Battery Park City/WTC site area, City Hall/ Seaport District, Chinatown, the Lower East Side, and Tribeca/ SoHo/ Little Italy.
The participants for the workshops included representatives from neighborhood and community civic groups, cultural institutions and organizations, residents, workers, and business owners. The LMDC and the City of New York identified community-based organization such as Community Boards and civic groups, and individuals such as LMDC Advisory Council members to assist with venue identification, stakeholder recruitment and community outreach.
Each workshop began with a presentation that reviewed LMDC funding initiatives that are currently underway as well as other LMDC-City studies that evaluate different opportunities for improvement in each neighborhood. After the presentations the workshop participant were asked to gather in their small groups consisting of a cross section of stakeholder categories to further discuss their thoughts and feelings on topics that related to their neighborhood.
In total, 369 varied stakeholders participated in the workshop series and voiced their opinions on projects they feel are necessary to their respective neighborhoods. The individual groups reported their key priorities to the entire group at the end of each of the seven meetings held. After the meeting concluded the participants were asked to fill out a survey capturing specific information regarding funding priorities and additional neighborhood issues.
On January 20, 2004, the LMDC and the City released a comprehensive report detailing the results of the workshops. To view the Neighborhood Workshop Summary Report, click here.
Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement / Amended General Project Plan Public Hearing ^Top
In January, 2004 the LMDC released the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS). This was the second major component of the environmental review process for the World Trade Center Memorial and Redevelopment Plan. On February 18, 2004 the LMDC held a public hearing on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) to solicit comments on the DGEIS as well as the Amended General Project Plan (GPP). Kevin Rampe, LMDC President and Andrew Winters, LMDC's Vice President for Planning, Design and Development, gave a brief presentation on the current status of the World Trade Center site plans. Members of the public were then invited to present their comments on either the DGEIS or the GPP. The public comment period for the DGEIS was open from January 22, 2004 to 5pm on March 15, 2004. The public comment period for the GPP was open from September 16, 2003 to March 19, 2004.
Eminent Domain Procedures Law (EDPL) Public Hearing for 130 Liberty Street ^Top
On May 18, 2004 the LMDC held an Eminent Domain Procedures Law (EDPL) public hearing to solicit comments regarding the acquisition of 130 Liberty Street, also known as the Deutsche Bank Building. This hearing began at 6:00 pm at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. The hearing consisted of a brief presentation of the status of the site planning efforts and the proposed intended use of the land at 130 Liberty Street. In accordance with State law, comments on the proposed acquisition were requested and were accepted orally or in writing only at the hearing. To view the legal notice of this hearing click here.
Chinatown Access and Circulation Workshop ^Top
On June 24, 2004, LMDC held a public workshop in Chinatown to address the area's myriad traffic and transportation issues. The workshop, held at the Church of Transfiguration on Mott Street, was the culmination of months of technical analysis and community outreach conducted as part of the Chinatown Access and Circulation Study which commenced in the summer of 2003 in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation. The study focused on vehicular and pedestrian concerns that affect quality of life in Chinatown; major focus areas include Park Row, Chatham Square, Coach Buses, other Bus and Van Services, Parking, and Streetscape. The interactive workshop, attended by nearly 100 people representing a broad array of community interests, allowed the LMDC an opportunity to present potential initiatives from the study and have the audience rate each initiative in two categories: how much each would improve access and circulation, and how much each would improve quality of life for Chinatown. The audience also was encouraged to ask questions and state their opinions and positions for everyone to hear. At the request of workshop participants, the potential initiatives presented at the workshop have been made available on the LMDC website so members of the Chinatown community who were unable to attend the workshop will have an opportunity to contribute to the Chinatown Access and Circulation Study.
The public was also given the opportunity to provide comments on the Chinatown Access and Circulation Study through the LMDC's website. To view the addendum of the online survey results click here.
130 Liberty Street Building Public Information Session - Initial Building Characterization ^Top
On September 23, 2004 the LMDC held a Public Information Session regarding the Initial Building Characterization Study of the building at 130 Liberty Street, previously known as the Deutsche Bank Building. The public meeting held at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at the Borough of Manhattan Community College began at 6:00 PM with an opportunity for the public to "Meet and Greet" and ask questions directly to the individuals involved in the project from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The LMDC along with its consultants, Louis Berger, TRC Solutions and the former lead contractor Gilbane Building Co. presented information on the current environmental characterization of the building and the next steps involved in the cleaning and deconstruction process. After the presentation the public was able to make comments and state concerns that the LMDC will consider as it begins developing the deconstruction plan. The public comment period regarding the characterization study for the building at 130 Liberty Street was open from September 14, 2004 through October 13, 2004.
130 Liberty Street Public Information Session- Draft Phase I Deconstruction Plan ^Top
On January 24, 2005 the LMDC held a Public Information Session regarding the Draft Phase I Deconstruction Plan for the building at 130 Liberty Street. The public meeting held at St. John’s University began at 6:00 PM. The LMDC was joined by the former lead contractor Gilbane, and lead environmental consultant, TRC for a presentation on the components of the draft deconstruction plan. After the presentation the public was able to make comments and state concerns that the LMDC will consider when revising the draft plan.
General Project Plan Amendment / Eminent Domain Procedure Law Public Comment Period and Public Hearing ^Top
On January 26, 2005 the LMDC held a combined public hearing to solicit public comment on the proposed Amendments to the General Project Plan and the proposed acquisition under the Eminent Domain Procedure Law and the Urban Development Corporation Act. The hearing began at 6:00 PM at St. John's University at 101 Murray Street New York, New York 10007. The LMDC had released the General Project Plan (GPP) Amendments and also announced the intent to acquire the property at 140 Liberty Street as well as portions of adjacent streets around this site on December 27, 2004 and opened a public comment period. The comment period was originally scheduled to close on February 25, 2005, but was extended to March 10, 2005. Please click here to view the GPP Amendments and Legal Notice of the Public Hearing. Please click here to view the Legal Notice of Extension for the public comment period.
Draft Funding Allocation Plan Public Hearing ^Top
On April 27th, 2005 the LMDC held a public hearing on the draft Funding Allocation plan. The hearing began at 6:00 PM at the U.S. Customs House at 1 Bowling Green. The LMDC released a report called, "Guiding the Process: the Public Dialogue and Lower Manhattan Revitalization Initiatives" on April 12, 2005. This report demonstrated how the public discourse shaped the funding process throughout the Lower Manhattan revitalization effort, detailed all of the funding allocation made to date, and summarized all of the public dialogue received at LMDC sponsored events. Included in the report was a draft Funding Allocation Plan developed to guide the use of remaining LMDC funds. The Allocation Plan articulated principles and objectives, priorities, and allocation categories for the remaining approximate funding. The LMDC opened public comment on the report on April 12, 2005 and accepted comments until May 1, 2005.
Please click here to view the draft Funding Allocation Plan and Legal Notice of the Public Hearing.
130 Liberty Public Information Open House ^Top
On June 20, 2005 the LMDC held an Open House on the Revised Deconstruction Plan for the deconstruction of 130 Liberty Street. The Open House held at PACE University was open to the public from 4PM to 8PM and consisted of various stations that were arranged to provide information about specific sections of the deconstruction plan. Individuals were provided with the opportunity to interact directly with project personnel, including the LMDC’s contractors and consultants, and were encouraged to sign up for the LMDC’s 130 Liberty Street E Updates. Representatives from the regulatory agencies involved in the project were also on site to address questions from the public on their role in the oversight of the deconstruction project. A self guided Power Point presentation was provided to present an overview of the deconstruction plan and served as the first stop for individuals to visit prior to asking questions to project personnel. Comments and questions will be accepted throughout the duration of the deconstruction project and may be submitted on the on-line comment form in the 130 Liberty section of the website.
LMDC also distributes information on programs and a quarterly newsletter at specified Community Distribution Centers. If you would like to receive e-updates from LMDC, click here.
