The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced they will hold at least five joint public hearings between now and December regarding the future of the World Trade Center site as part of a comprehensive public outreach campaign. The LMDC and Port Authority released a detailed plan [attached] for public input coinciding with each phase of the PA/LMDC study of options for the World Trade Center site, adjacent areas and related transportation infrastructure. The first public hearing will take place on Thursday, May 23 at Pace University in Lower Manhattan.
The outreach campaign features several public hearings and at least one hi-tech modern town forum in July accommodating 5,000 people; meetings with family members of victims, public officials, LMDC Advisory Councils, and community, civic, planning and transportation organizations including those representing New York/New Jersey PATH commuters; multiple advertising runs in daily, community and foreign language newspapers and public service announcements; and widespread distribution of proposals and documents in several languages at locations throughout Lower Manhattan, as well as on the Internet.
LMDC Chairman John C. Whitehead said, “This is an important update by the Governor and the Mayor since it illustrates the significant progress being made in the recovery operations and the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan. It also underscores how the teamwork by the many major organizations involved is paying off in impressive results."
Port Authority Chairman Jack G. Sinagra said, "The public will play a key role in shaping the future of Lower Manhattan. With their input, we will develop a world-class plan that will serve as a model for redevelopment throughout the nation. We also want to ensure that whatever is developed at the site is done in a respectful way that meets the needs of all residents in the New York and New Jersey region."
Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "The families of victims of the World Trade Center tragedy, as well as public officials and transportation and community groups, must have a strong voice in there building of Lower Manhattan. They must be assured that a respectful memorial will be built to honor those who lost their lives, and that an improved transportation system will rise from the devastation caused by the September 11 attacks. And we will show the world that by working together, we will revive and rebuild."
Port Authority Executive Director Joseph J. Seymour said, "The Port Authority is committed to working closely and cooperatively with the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. to make sure we get feedback from all stakeholders including the families, advisory committees and the general public as this process moves forward. Public outreach is a critical part of the process and one that we take seriously. With this input, we will develop a consensus on the best redevelopment plan for the World Trade Center site and adjacent areas."
LMDC President Lou Tomson said, “Although we are still in the early stages of the planning process, public input has already proven invaluable in shaping the Preliminary Principles and Blueprint and the Residential Assistance program. This plan ensures the LMDC and Port Authority will continue to have the benefit of broad public input at each critical juncture.”
The LMDC/PA study of the World Trade Center site, adjacent areas and related transportation infrastructure, will be completed in three phases, with the successful bidder to be announced next week. The first phase, to be released in early or mid July, will result in up to six conceptual options for the site, adjacent areas and related transportation infrastructure. The second phase, to be announced in September, will result in three options, and a final proposed plan will be released in December. Before and after each phase, LMDC and Port Authority will hold public hearings, meet with various public officials and groups, and provide other avenues for submitting public comment.
The first public hearing, to be held on May 23 at Pace University from 6pm to 9pm, is intended to provide an opportunity for public comment just as Phase I of the RFP gets underway. The hearing will consider ideas for the future of the site, adjacent areas and related transportation infrastructure, including those suggested in the LMDC Preliminary Principles and Blueprint.
To obtain a copy of the LMDC Preliminary Principles and Blueprint, visit LMDC’s website at www.renewnyc.org. To obtain a copy of the RFP or public input process plan, visit the Port Authority website at www.PANYNJ.gov, or the LMDC website.
