I'll give a simplified pair of reflecting pools a pass ... on the condition that it allows for an open and accessible park, saves us 500 + million and accelerates the building process.
I'll give a simplified pair of reflecting pools a pass ... on the condition that it allows for an open and accessible park, saves us 500 + million and accelerates the building process.
There's a lot of underground space in the bathtub. It'll end up getting used for something so it'll end up being more than just 2 pools in a park.
$omething will end up under it.
At 9/11 Memorial, Actual Sizes May Vary
By David W. Dunlap
...
Depending on the width of the ramps and underground circulation areas, the openings at plaza level might be reduced from 210-foot squares (the dimension of the original towers) to 200-foot squares or even 190-foot squares. This area would be 9 percent to 18 percent less than the towers occupied. That might not be exactly what the public, or the relatives of those who died, had in mind when they first saw the winning design, "Reflecting Absence."
And the possibility that the voids would differ from the tower outlines did not seem to have been raised among or with the jurors before they selected the plan last month.
"It was implicit that they would have matched the footprints," said one juror, who agreed to be interviewed yesterday on the condition of anonymity. "We actually didn't know nor, quite honestly, did we ever discuss it, at least in full jury meetings."
The juror said: "This is a very, very sensitive issue for family members and I don't want them to walk away thinking that jury members knew about this. The jury was notified of this by the LMDC well after the fact and well after we selected Arad."
A spokeswoman for the development corporation, Joanna Rose, said: "Immediately on learning that this was an issue we were going to be grappling with, we informed the jury. We believe it's critical to delineate the original footprints.''
...
This is an example of the lies that have plagued the LMDC from it's inception.
Joanna Rose told the jury that "Reflecting Absence" had feasibility issues while the jury was still deliberating, but they chose it any way, then the LMDC accepted it, and the lies, blame, deny, delay, and cover routine, continue.
Now that the LMDC actually knows what they want, Re-run the Competition.
If Arad's plan is changed dramatically, expect law suits to consume the process, from angry Memorial competitors whose designs echo that of the final design.
And they have standing to do so, based on the LMDC failures.
I think the best way to cut memorial costs would be to put the Freedom Tower over the North Footprint. It would accomplish a number of important objectives.
1) Reduce all direct memorial costs 50%.
2) The Freedom Tower could house the entrance to the Memorial Museum.
3) The Freedom Tower would be more secured and safer.
4) It would balance the treatment of the footprints, one for rememberance, one for renewal. Yin/Yang
5) East west pedestrian passage along the North of the site would be much easier.
6) There would be more space for non-9/11 cultural facilities.
7) An outdoor performance space that would be "off-memorial" would be possible.
Build the Tribute in Light into those two shallow pools and, voila, finito!Quote:
Originally Posted by americasroof
^I second that! I've been for that idea since the beginning.
Remember $27 million for the lighting just to illuminate the waterfalls. Double that because they have to be much stronger. Then add the cost for turning it on. Then there's always the bird issue.....Quote:
Originally Posted by BrooklynRider
Best just to do nothing. ;)
True - nothing costs a lot less - a goal of nothing would ensure that Getchen Dykstra is successful in her role. And, I'd be more than willing to contribute nothing, which would allow me to feel that I am a part of this whole project.
WTC Memorial Lawsuit Dismissed
Tuesday , May 16, 2006
NEW YORK — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Sept. 11 families seeking to stop construction of the World Trade Center memorial, saying designers thoroughly outlined their plans to build on the spots where the twin towers stood.
The group sued in March, saying plans to build part of the memorial on the footprints of the towers would destroy what is left of them. It accused the Lower Manhattan Development Corp., the state agency in charge of the design, of breaking state law by not consulting properly with it during a federal historic preservation review process.
But state Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich said the corporation's efforts to consult with others "have been exhaustive and far beyond anything required by law."
The agency continues to consult with family members, she said, "in what can only be described as a commendable and sensitive manner, despite the fact that the obligation to consult ended long ago."
Her decision was dated Thursday, though both sides learned of it only on Tuesday.
The dismissal gives designers permission to go ahead with plans to pour concrete on the fallen towers' foundations, which preservationists have called prized historic resources.
But the entire memorial design is being rethought after contractors this month released a $1 billion construction estimate, twice the project's budget.
Officials have been considering major design changes to cut costs for the twin reflecting pools that would mark the towers, and possibly preserve more of the footprints.
The Lower Manhattan Development Corp. was pleased with the judge's ruling. "This is a victory for the public process surrounding the selection and design of the memorial," spokesman John Gallagher said.
Anthony Gardner, a member of the Coalition of 9/11 Families, said the group may appeal.
"No matter what happens, we are going to continue to fight against the LMDC to preserve the footprint remnants for the American people," said Gardner, whose brother was killed on Sept. 11, 2001.
The coalition sued days before preliminary construction began in mid-March, saying the agency hadn't told it until January how much of the foundations — where most of the remains of more than 1,000 unidentified victims were found — would be covered by the memorial and a museum.
But the judge said the agency had guaranteed since 2004 only that it would preserve the columns that surround the concrete slabs of the foundations.
This jerk should really learn how to speak on behalf of himself. He is not fighting on behalf of me and I oppose his vision every step of the way.Quote:
"No matter what happens, we are going to continue to fight against the LMDC to preserve the footprint remnants for the American people," said Gardner, whose brother was killed on Sept. 11, 2001.
I second that, though I wouldn't call him a jerk. He's someone who has succumbed to his own grief and is putting his energy in the wrong place, thinking that it will help him. I'm glad that this lawsuit has been dismissed. Not that I like Reflecting Absence, though. What's important about this case, combined with the $1 billion price tag of the memorial, is that maybe, just maybe, the Memorialists will finally decline in influence.Quote:
Originally Posted by BrooklynRider
How about this for a vision:
Forty and sixty story replicas of the original towers, connected by glass escalators at angles, giving the illusion of the buildings holding hands, in a circle, around Koenig's Sphere.
The tower footprints would be outlined by a large wrought iron fence, each with a large redwood tree in the center. Statues of Firemen, Police, EMS, etc., would guard the corners.
Of course the iron fences would be covered with pictures, candles, memories, etc., much like St. Paul's fence once was.
The memorial would be sunken seven or eight feet, surrounded with the flags of all countries represented. And the names, a few words, and exact replicas of the faces of those lost, would face the central fountain, leaving the rescue workers faces around the fountain itself.
But a design like that, would violate so many rules, it would be inconceivable to expect it to survive the LMDC's review of designs for adherence to the rules, and fulfillment of the Memorial Mission Statement and Program.
http://community.webshots.com/album/101764525hsVBOE
SHELDON SILVER, SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON CORPORATIONS, AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT:
The Status of the Redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and Ground Zero
PURPOSE:
This hearing will seek the details and status of the plans and timetable for the redevelopment of Ground Zero and the surrounding structures, as well as examine the utilization of the incentive programs intended to spur the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan.
Manhattan
Thursday, May 18, 2006
10:30 am
7 World Trade Center
25th Floor
Corner of Greenwich and Barclay Streets
New York, New York
TESTIMONY WILL BE BY INVITATION ONLY
In recent weeks, an agreement has reportedly been reached by the City of New York, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and developer Larry Silverstein regarding the proposed redevelopment at Ground Zero. This hearing will seek information on the status and terms of this current agreement, such as: the timetable for construction and preparation of the infrastructure, including the deconstruction of the Deutsche Bank building and Fitterman Hall; the timetable for the construction of the towers, retail development such as the Church Street corridor and the memorial; the provisions in place to ensure adherence with the schedule, and who is responsible for the enforcement of the timetable; and the source and allocation of funding for each component.
In addition, the hearing seeks to examine the actions that the parties have taken thus far to accelerate redevelopment in Lower Manhattan and Ground Zero including the utilization of business recovery programs such as the Job Creation and Retention Grant Program (JCRP), the Small Firm Attraction and Retention Grant Program (SFARG), and the initiatives contained in the legislation passed by the Legislature last year providing tax exemptions and square footage incentive pricing targeting the leasing of commercial space at the World Trade Center.
Persons invited to present pertinent testimony to the Speaker and the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.
Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. An advance receipt of prepared statements would be appreciated.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.
Sheldon Silver
Speaker of the Assembly
Richard Brodsky
Member of Assembly
Chairman
Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
DEAR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS,
This week there has been a lot of debate regarding the fate of the WTC Memorial, "Reflecting Absence." Personally I am concerned about the continued modifications of the original design, and especially the discussion about the possibility of eliminating the memorial galleries. These galleries were designed to provide a quiet place for reflection and contemplation, as one views the waterfalls and nearly 3,000 names of those lost on September 11th.
As I reflect on the importance of the gallery, I remember my first visit to Ground Zero for the Commemorative service in October, 2001. We processed for blocks, almost like a funeral procession, I was struck by the public nature of our loss as we passed by people lining the streets standing behind barriers. As we turned the corner and for the first time viewed what was once the World Trade Center site, like you, I confronted by the reality that my son had not survived, but also stunned by the magnitude of the destruction and loss of life.
I believe the memorial gallery recreates that same pilgrimage. As we process down the ramp and enter the gallery we are confronted with the expanse of names of those lost, in a quiet place where we can reflect, away from the hustle and bustle of the New York streets. The simplicity of the original plan should not be diminished by driving up costs with additions. Modifications to the original mission and program of Reflecting Absence should cease, and we should either return to the original design which is more cost effective or begin the process anew.
We only have one chance to create a world class memorial that will stand the test of time and convey to future generations the magnitude of the event and properly memorialize those who lost their lives in a defining moment in the history of our country. I hope our leaders do not miss this opportunity.
As I celebrate Mother's Day with my family, like you I will remember my son and all those who so tragically died with him on September 11th. Our best wishes to you and your family on Mother's Day from all of us at VOICES.
Warm Regards,
Mary Fetchet
http://www.voicesofsept11.org/news/n...05_12_06.htm#1