The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the joint State-City
corporation formed by Governor George E. Pataki to oversee the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan, announced today the appointment of nationally renowned urban planner Alexander Garvin as Vice President for Planning, Design and Development. Mr. Garvin will coordinate the formulation of comprehensive development plans for the World Trade Center site and the surrounding areas of Lower Manhattan, seeking input from the various individuals and organizations that have an interest in this important process.

Mr. Garvin will work with a core group of two urban planners, who with Mr. Garvin will serve as the hub of the planning team. He will continue serving on a volunteer basis as Planning Director for NYC2012, the not-for-profit organization leading the effort to bring the Olympic Games to New York City in 2012.

John C. Whitehead, Chairman of the LMDC, said, "Alexander Garvin's
experience and credentials are unmatched. As an urban planner, architect, teacher and recognized expert on real estate, land use and development, he brings a unique set of skills to the job. Throughout his career, he has been a champion of America's cities and someone who knows how to devise creative solutions to the complex problems they face. I know he will be an invaluable resource to the LMDC as we move forward in developing plans for Lower Manhattan."

Lou Tomson, President of the LMDC, said, "We are fortunate to have such a talented urban planner join our team. Alex has already demonstrated his ability to plan complicated development initiatives, the most recent example being the City's bid to bring the Olympics to New York. I'm confident that Alex has the vision to bring together all of the different conceptions for the future of Lower Manhattan and help forge a comprehensive development plan."

Governor George E. Pataki said, "The revitalization of Lower Manhattan will involve the combined efforts of numerous people who share in common a deep commitment to the future of our City and State. Alex Garvin has repeatedly proven his dedication to New York -- from his many years of service on the City Planning Commission to his visionary work on NYC2012. Through the LMDC, he will channel the energy and ideas of every one involved to help chart a bright future for Lower Manhattan."

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, "I am very pleased that Alex Galvin has agreed to serve as chief planner for the LMDC. He is a gifted urban planner and committed public servant who brings tremendous perspective and vision to the job. I know his work on behalf of the LMDC will prove instrumental in reshaping and revitalizing Lower Manhattan."

Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding, Daniel L. Doctoroff, said, "Having worked with Alex for the past five years on New York's Olympic effort, no one knows better than I what a brilliant choice this is. His creativity, knowledge of the city and the region and ability to get things done will help insure a bold and feasible plan for Lower Manhattan."

Alexander Garvin said, "I am honored to be a part of this historic process. The revitalization of Lower Manhattan presents many complex challenges. We need to develop an appropriate way to honor those who perished on September 11th. The residents, business and property owners of lower Manhattan expect to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Thousands of Americans have come forward with visions for a new New York. I look forward to working with the Governor, the Mayor, the Board, the Advisory Councils and every one who is interested in the future of Lower Manhattan to meet these challenges, and seize this opportunity."

Bob Yaro, President of the Regional Plan Association and Chair of the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York, said, "We are excited by the strong team that is being assembled at LMDC. Alex Garvin has a national reputation as someone who can tackle complex projects and work collaboratively with many constituencies."

Robert A. M. Stern, Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, said, "I have known Alex since he was a graduate student at Yale and there is no one better qualified for this enormous task. He has instilled his tremendous vision in an entire generation of urban planners. He knows New York intimately, he understands the big picture, and he will work tirelessly on behalf of New Yorkers to get the job done."

Alexander Garvin has combined a career in urban planning and real estate with teaching, architecture and public service. He is currently and will remain a commissioner on the New York City Planning Commission. He is an Adjunct Professor of Urban Planning and Management at Yale University, where during his three-decade tenure he has taught many courses on urban planning and development, housing, real estate, architecture, and parks. He has published numerous articles and books on urban planning issues, including
The American City: What Works, What Doesn't, winner of the 1996 American Institute of Architects book award in urbanism. In April 2001, the American Planning Association released his latest book, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space: A 21st Century Agenda.

He is a member of the National Advisory Council of the Trust for Public Land and a fellow of the Urban Land Institute for whom he has organized and taught workshops on basic real estate development, the residential development process, and the role of design in real estate. He holds Bachelor of Arts, Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Studies degrees from Yale University.

Additional Staff Appointed

LMDC President Lou Tomson also announced the appointment of Tara Snow as Vice President of Community and Government Relations, and Matthew Higgins as Vice President of Communications.

As Vice President of Community and Government Relations, Ms. Snow is responsible for conducting outreach to various community, business and civic organizations and serves as the Board's primary liaison to federal, state and local government agencies and public officials. Prior to joining LMDC, she served as Senior Program Associate in the Office of State Operations as a policy advisor to Governor Pataki and senior staff members. Ms. Snow holds a BS in Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

As Vice President of Communications, Mr. Higgins serves as LMDC's liaison to the media, while ensuring that the public is apprised of the work of the Corporation and initiatives to revitalize Lower Manhattan. Prior to joining the LMDC, Higgins served as Press Secretary to Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani. He holds a BA in political science from Queens College, and is expected to receive his law degree from Fordham Law School, evening division in May 2002.