The LMDC and Port Authority announced today that the first public meeting in a series of public meetings in the five boroughs and in New Jersey will be held in Staten Island on Tuesday, August 20. The meetings are intended to engage people throughout the region in the process of rebuilding the World Trade Center site and the creation of a permanent memorial. The meetings will focus on soliciting ideas for the creation of a permanent memorial and comments on the elements of the six site plans released on July 16, including the recreation of a distinctive skyline in Lower Manhattan.
LMDC Chairman John C. Whitehead said, “It is imperative that we continuously look to the public for input and ideas as we move forward with the creation of a permanent memorial and the revitalization of Lower Manhattan. These meetings demonstrate LMDC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone affected by the attacks of September 11th has their voice heard.”
LMDC President and Executive Director Louis R. Tomson said, “To date, LMDC has received thousands of emails and proposals from individuals all over the world regarding the creation of a memorial and the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site. The impact of the September 11th attack radiated far beyond Lower Manhattan, but it has also inspired countless people to want to take part in the effort to rebuild New York City and create a memorial to those who were lost. LMDC’s outreach campaign also extends beyond Lower Manhattan. The meetings represent the next logical step in what has become one of the most extensive public outreach campaigns ever.”
Port Authority Executive Director Joseph J. Seymour said, “These meetings will allow more members of the public to join the thousands who have already shared their visions for a memorial and redevelopment plan reflecting the enormity of September 11. The Port Authority believes strongly that the future of the World Trade Center site must be shaped by the insights of people throughout the region. The tragedy of September 11 affected us all, and all must have an opportunity to help shape plans for remembrance and rebuilding.”
New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey said, “The public meetings will provide an opportunity for an open and substantive dialogue as we work toward remembering and honoring those lives lost on September 11th, while rebuilding and revitalizing the district. We encourage the public to actively and meaningfully participate in the rebuilding and memorial process by participating in one of the upcoming hearings.”
The schedule for the public meetings is as follows:
Staten Island Public Meeting
The Auditorium at the Michael J. Petrides School
715 Ocean Terrace, Sunnyside
August 20, 2002
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Public Meeting
New York City College of Technology
The City University of New York
Klitgord Auditorium
250 Jay Street, Downtown Brooklyn
August 21, 2002
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Bronx Public Meeting
Lehman College Concert Hall
250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
Kingsbridge – Bedford Park
August 22, 2002
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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 29, 2002
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Manhattan Public Meeting
Pace University
Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts
Spruce Street (between Gold Street and Park Row)
Lower Manhattan
September 5, 2002
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
New Jersey Public Meeting
Liberty State Park
Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
Morris Pesin Drive
Jersey City, NJ 07305
September 25, 2002
6:00- 9:00 p.m.
About the LMDC
The LMDC is a joint State-City corporation formed by the Governor and Mayor to oversee the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan. The LMDC is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors -- eight appointed by the Governor, eight appointed by the Mayor -- and is chaired by John C. Whitehead. To assist in its mission, the Corporation has formed several Advisory Councils and a general Advisory Committee comprised of federal, state and city elected officials, business and civic leaders to represent the interests of various constituencies affected by the September 11th attacks.
About the Port Authority
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey built the World Trade Center and operated it from 1970 until July 2001, when it was leased to private operators. It continues to own the 16-acre site. The Port Authority was formed by the states of New York and New Jersey in 1921 to promote and strengthen the commerce of the port region. In addition to the area’s major ports and terminals, the bistate agency operates the region’s three major airports, bridge and tunnel connections between the two states, and the PATH commuter transit line.
