New York, New York

By Shaun Woo

Ground Zero: A New Beginning…

Democracy? (sort of)

HistoryHistory

• The area now known as New The area now known as New York City first attracted settlers York City first attracted settlers after Henry Hudson’s voyage of after Henry Hudson’s voyage of 1609.1609.

• The settlement was named New The settlement was named New Amsterdam in 1626.Amsterdam in 1626.

• On September 6, 1664, Charles On September 6, 1664, Charles II seized New Amsterdam and II seized New Amsterdam and renamed it New York.renamed it New York.

• New York City was under British New York City was under British occupation until 1783.occupation until 1783.

• New York City was the capital of New York City was the capital of the United States from 1785 to the United States from 1785 to 1790.1790.

• Since 1800, New York City has Since 1800, New York City has been ranked #1 among the been ranked #1 among the largest U.S. cities. largest U.S. cities.

Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005

New York City TodayNew York City Today

• NYC is the most populated city in NYC is the most populated city in the United States the United States ((Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p.1062).

• Annual budget of over 40 billion Annual budget of over 40 billion dollars dollars <http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/underst<http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/understandingbudget.pdf>andingbudget.pdf>

• In 2001, 20 million tourists spend In 2001, 20 million tourists spend at least one night in the city at least one night in the city ((Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p. 1570)

• In 2002, international and In 2002, international and domestic visitors to the city spent domestic visitors to the city spent more than $14 billion more than $14 billion ((Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p.1570)

• There are over 2,000 bridges in There are over 2,000 bridges in the city, 76 over water the city, 76 over water ((Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p. 208)

DemographicsDemographics

• As of 2000:As of 2000:– New York City’s population: 8,008,300.New York City’s population: 8,008,300.

•New York State’s population: 18,976,500.New York State’s population: 18,976,500.

•Manhattan is the third largest borough Manhattan is the third largest borough behind Brooklyn and Queens.behind Brooklyn and Queens.

• 1,668,938 people below the poverty line.1,668,938 people below the poverty line.

• Unemployment rate in New York City is 8.3%.Unemployment rate in New York City is 8.3%.

•(Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical Yearbook)(Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical Yearbook)

Demographics (cont.)Demographics (cont.)

• Caucasians: 3,576,385Caucasians: 3,576,385

• Hispanics: 2,160,554Hispanics: 2,160,554

• African Americans: 2,129,762African Americans: 2,129,762

• Asians: 787,047Asians: 787,047• Other ethnic groups Other ethnic groups (not including American (not including American

Indian and Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian and Indian and Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian and

other Pacific Islander)other Pacific Islander): 1,074,406: 1,074,406

•(Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical (Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical Yearbook)Yearbook)

Voters!Voters!

• 4,507,433 registered voters in NYC 4,507,433 registered voters in NYC (Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical Yearbook)(Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical Yearbook)

– 2,991,140 registered democrats2,991,140 registered democrats– 566,782 registered republicans566,782 registered republicans

• 2,459,653 votes cast in the 2004 2,459,653 votes cast in the 2004 Presidential election Presidential election (Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical (Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical

Yearbook)Yearbook)

• 33.3% voter turnout in 2002 33.3% voter turnout in 2002 (Encyclopedia of New (Encyclopedia of New

York State, p.1646)York State, p.1646)

•(Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical Yearbook)(Nathan & Gates, 2005 New York Statistical Yearbook)

Government StructureGovernment Structure

• Mayor-council form of Mayor-council form of governmentgovernment

• MayorMayor– Chief executive Chief executive – Elected to four year termsElected to four year terms– Appoints department Appoints department

heads and deputy mayorheads and deputy mayor

• City CouncilCity Council– Legislative body of the cityLegislative body of the city– Composed of 51 council Composed of 51 council

members, who represent members, who represent the number of districts in the number of districts in NYCNYC

– Two year termTwo year term

http://24.97.137.100/nyc/charter/entered.htm

Government Structure

<http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/orgchart/org_chart.html>

ThesisThesis

• The reconstruction of Ground Zero is a poignant reminder The reconstruction of Ground Zero is a poignant reminder of the tragedy of September 11th for New Yorkers and of the tragedy of September 11th for New Yorkers and Americans alike. The project must inevitably appease the Americans alike. The project must inevitably appease the public because the events affected so many people. public because the events affected so many people. However, the World Trade Center site is privately owned by However, the World Trade Center site is privately owned by a government corporation and a private real estate a government corporation and a private real estate investor, which nullifies public opinion. In the end, the investor, which nullifies public opinion. In the end, the decision-making process falls into the hands of a decision-making process falls into the hands of a multifaceted group, which includes the mayor of New York multifaceted group, which includes the mayor of New York City and governor of New York State. Although the citizenry City and governor of New York State. Although the citizenry will not have an opportunity to vote, by pressuring the will not have an opportunity to vote, by pressuring the government officials involved through various nonpartisan government officials involved through various nonpartisan and nonprofit organizations; coalitions; media outlets; and and nonprofit organizations; coalitions; media outlets; and the prospect of negative publicity, the public will without a the prospect of negative publicity, the public will without a doubt influence the rebuilding of Ground Zero. doubt influence the rebuilding of Ground Zero.

World Trade Center: a short World Trade Center: a short historyhistory• Construction began in 1966 and Construction began in 1966 and

officially ended in 1973.officially ended in 1973.• Designed by Minoru Yamasaki (1912-Designed by Minoru Yamasaki (1912-

1986)1986)• Constructed and operated by the Port Constructed and operated by the Port

Authority of New York and New Jersey.Authority of New York and New Jersey.• Six weeks before 9/11, Larry Silverstein Six weeks before 9/11, Larry Silverstein

signed a 99-year commercial leasesigned a 99-year commercial lease• Both towers stood 110 stories high Both towers stood 110 stories high

(1,350 ft.)(1,350 ft.)• In the beginning, the towers were In the beginning, the towers were

criticized vehemently by the public and criticized vehemently by the public and by elite architects. Overtime, the public by elite architects. Overtime, the public began to warm up to the towers. began to warm up to the towers.

• 1.2 million cubic yards of excavated 1.2 million cubic yards of excavated rubble from World Trade Center site rubble from World Trade Center site was used to create the landfill that now was used to create the landfill that now lies underneath Battery Park City.lies underneath Battery Park City.

• More than 40,000 men and women More than 40,000 men and women worked at WTC (Height of Ambition, NY worked at WTC (Height of Ambition, NY Times, p. 1)Times, p. 1)

Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005

September 11, 2001September 11, 2001

• ““The worst terrorist attack ever to occur on The worst terrorist attack ever to occur on US soil…”US soil…” ( (Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p. 1395)

• 2,749 people were killed2,749 people were killed ( (Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p.1396)., p.1396).

• An estimated 14,000-16,500 persons who An estimated 14,000-16,500 persons who had been in the WTC at the time were able to had been in the WTC at the time were able to escapeescape ( (Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p. 1396)., p. 1396).

• 343 New York City firefighters, 84 Port 343 New York City firefighters, 84 Port Authority employees, and 23 New York City Authority employees, and 23 New York City police officers lost their livespolice officers lost their lives ( (Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p. 1397). , p. 1397).

• Canton Fitzgerald, a brokerage firm, lost 658 Canton Fitzgerald, a brokerage firm, lost 658 employees; Marsh and McLennan, a financial employees; Marsh and McLennan, a financial services, lost 295 employeesservices, lost 295 employees ( (Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p.1397)., p.1397).

• 9/11 destroyed 13.4 million square feet of 9/11 destroyed 13.4 million square feet of office space. office space.

• 4% of Manhattan’s total office space was 4% of Manhattan’s total office space was destroyeddestroyed

• 1,300 businesses were affected.1,300 businesses were affected.• 4 of these 31 businesses occupied 1,000,000 4 of these 31 businesses occupied 1,000,000

square feet of office space or more (e.g. square feet of office space or more (e.g. American Express, Merrill Lynch, Morgan American Express, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley). Stanley). •<<http://www.buildings.com/Articles/http://www.buildings.com/Articles/detail.asp?ArticleID=341>detail.asp?ArticleID=341>

Rebuilding Ground ZeroRebuilding Ground Zero

• ““The rebuilding of the WTC site will The rebuilding of the WTC site will be among the most closely watched be among the most closely watched and widely debated construction and widely debated construction projects in the nation’s history, and projects in the nation’s history, and one in which the general public has one in which the general public has had, if not a vote, certainly a voice.” had, if not a vote, certainly a voice.” ((Eisenstadt, Peter. Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p.1401) p.1401)

Who’s Behind the Rebuilding Who’s Behind the Rebuilding Process?Process?

• Governor PatakiGovernor Pataki• Mayor BloombergMayor Bloomberg• Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC)Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC)

– Created by Governor Pataki and then-Mayor Giuliani to help Created by Governor Pataki and then-Mayor Giuliani to help plan and coordinate the redevelopment and revitalization of plan and coordinate the redevelopment and revitalization of Lower Manhattan Lower Manhattan

– The LMDC is a joint State-City corporation governed by a 16-The LMDC is a joint State-City corporation governed by a 16-member Board of Directors, half appointed by the Governor of member Board of Directors, half appointed by the Governor of New York and half by the Mayor of New York. New York and half by the Mayor of New York.

• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)– Founded by New York and New Jersey in 1921Founded by New York and New Jersey in 1921– 12 member board of commissioners; 6 appointed by each state governor12 member board of commissioners; 6 appointed by each state governor– In 2001, it had a a budget of 4.6 billion dollars and 7,200 employees (In 2001, it had a a budget of 4.6 billion dollars and 7,200 employees (Eisenstadt, Peter.

Encyclopedia of New York State. 2005, p.1225), p.1225)

• Larry Silverstein, the commercial leaseholder of the WTC Larry Silverstein, the commercial leaseholder of the WTC sitesite

WTC site planWTC site plan

• Freedom TowerFreedom Tower– 1,776 ft. 1,776 ft. – 2.6 million square ft. of office 2.6 million square ft. of office

spacespace

• Tower 2Tower 2– 78 stories, 1,254 ft.78 stories, 1,254 ft.

• Tower 3Tower 3– 71 stories, 1,115 ft.71 stories, 1,115 ft.

• Tower 4Tower 4– 61 stories, 947 ft.61 stories, 947 ft.

• 7 World Trade Center7 World Trade Center– 52 stories, 741 ft.52 stories, 741 ft.

• Tower 5Tower 5– T.B.A.T.B.A.

• World Trade Center World Trade Center memorialmemorial– Reflecting AbsenceReflecting Absence

http://www.wtc.com/inner_page.aspx?id=12

““Listening to the City” = Listening to the City” = Democracy In-Action!Democracy In-Action!• On July 20, 2002, 4,300 people attended a On July 20, 2002, 4,300 people attended a

town meeting that “gave participants an town meeting that “gave participants an opportunity to help shape the opportunity to help shape the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and the creation of a permanent memorial to the creation of a permanent memorial to the victims of 9/11” the victims of 9/11” – Organized by the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Organized by the Civic Alliance to Rebuild

Downtown New York, a coalition of more than Downtown New York, a coalition of more than 85 civic, business, environmental, community, 85 civic, business, environmental, community, university and labor groups. university and labor groups.

– Supported by the Lower Manhattan Supported by the Lower Manhattan Development CorporationDevelopment Corporation

http://www.listeningtothecity.org/

““Listening to the City” Listening to the City” (cont.)(cont.)• Organization of eventOrganization of event

– Participants sat in a 10-to-12 person round-table discussion, each led Participants sat in a 10-to-12 person round-table discussion, each led by a trained facilitator.by a trained facilitator.

– Each table had a networked, wireless laptop computer that served as Each table had a networked, wireless laptop computer that served as “electronic flip-charts” that recorded ideas generated by the table.“electronic flip-charts” that recorded ideas generated by the table.

• These ideas would then be transmitted to a “theme team,” which was These ideas would then be transmitted to a “theme team,” which was composed of volunteers and AmericaSpeaks staff that identified the composed of volunteers and AmericaSpeaks staff that identified the strongest ideas and reported them back to all the participants. strongest ideas and reported them back to all the participants.

• Each participant was given a wireless polling keypad to vote on questions Each participant was given a wireless polling keypad to vote on questions and the results were displayed immediately on an overhead screen.and the results were displayed immediately on an overhead screen.

– 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.9 a.m. to 4 p.m.– Participation was free included breakfast, lunch and beverages. Kosher Participation was free included breakfast, lunch and beverages. Kosher

and vegetarian meals were available. and vegetarian meals were available. – First 5,000 to register were admitted.First 5,000 to register were admitted.– Services includedServices included

• Sign language and simultaneous spoken translations; facilitators who spoke Sign language and simultaneous spoken translations; facilitators who spoke Spanish and Chinese; foreign language, Braille and large-print copies of Spanish and Chinese; foreign language, Braille and large-print copies of important discussion materialsimportant discussion materials

• Day-care center availableDay-care center available

““Listening to the City” Listening to the City” (cont.)(cont.)• Participants:Participants:

– EthnicityEthnicity• 67% Caucasian67% Caucasian• 12% Asian American12% Asian American• 7% African American7% African American

– AgeAge• 45% 65 years and older45% 65 years and older• 27% 20-34 years old27% 20-34 years old

– IncomeIncome• 17% earned less than 25,00017% earned less than 25,000• 21% earned between 25,000-49,99921% earned between 25,000-49,999• 13% earned more than 150,00013% earned more than 150,000

– LocationLocation• 46% Manhattan46% Manhattan• 5% out of state5% out of state• 1% out of country1% out of country

– Other factsOther facts• 8.9% had a family member who was a 9/11 victim8.9% had a family member who was a 9/11 victim• 19.7% are survivors of the events of 9/1119.7% are survivors of the events of 9/11• 21.5% became displaced/unemployed as a result of 9/1121.5% became displaced/unemployed as a result of 9/11• 6.2% were rescue or recovery workers6.2% were rescue or recovery workers• 41.4% worked in Lower Manhattan41.4% worked in Lower Manhattan• 23.6% lived in Lower Manhattan23.6% lived in Lower Manhattan

http://www.listeningtothecity.org/http://www.listeningtothecity.org/

““Listening to the City” Listening to the City” (cont.)(cont.)• ““It looks like Albany”It looks like Albany”

– The LMDC and PANYNJ unveiled six The LMDC and PANYNJ unveiled six concept plans for the rebuilding of WTC concept plans for the rebuilding of WTC site and the surrounding areasite and the surrounding area

• The public quickly refuted all the designs. The public quickly refuted all the designs. • Designs were scraped.Designs were scraped.

• Public suggestionsPublic suggestions– Office space and retail development Office space and retail development

needed to boost the neighborhood’s needed to boost the neighborhood’s economyeconomy

– ““I worry that decisions about space I worry that decisions about space allocation will be made based in a 99-year allocation will be made based in a 99-year lease agreement the [Port Authority] lease agreement the [Port Authority] signed, and this does not…meet the signed, and this does not…meet the actual needs of New Yorkers” –A actual needs of New Yorkers” –A participantparticipant

– WTC site designs need to be memorableWTC site designs need to be memorable– Improved transportation to attract people Improved transportation to attract people

to downtownto downtown– Provide low, moderate and middle-income Provide low, moderate and middle-income

housinghousing– Environmentally friendlyEnvironmentally friendly

• Reduce car and traffic. Encourage alternative Reduce car and traffic. Encourage alternative vehicles such as bicycles and public vehicles such as bicycles and public transportationtransportation

• Public involvement directly led to second Public involvement directly led to second design of WTC site and memorialdesign of WTC site and memorial

http://www.listeningtothecity.org/http://www.listeningtothecity.org/

Democratic Process?Democratic Process?

• LMDC, PANYNJ, and Mr. Silverstein have rights to rebuilding LMDC, PANYNJ, and Mr. Silverstein have rights to rebuilding site.site.

• Governor and Mayor have veto-like power over those who Governor and Mayor have veto-like power over those who are rebuilding site. are rebuilding site.

• Public influences all of the above Public influences all of the above – Listening to the CityListening to the City– Nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations such as VOICES, WTC Nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations such as VOICES, WTC

United, Take Back the Memorial, September’s Mission, and United, Take Back the Memorial, September’s Mission, and Families of September 11.Families of September 11.

– Coalitions such as the Civic Alliance.Coalitions such as the Civic Alliance.• ““We cannot and will not allow profit margins and financial We cannot and will not allow profit margins and financial

interests to be put ahead of public interest in expediting the interests to be put ahead of public interest in expediting the rebuilding of the site of the greatest tragedy on American rebuilding of the site of the greatest tragedy on American soil.” –Governor Pataki (Cooper)soil.” –Governor Pataki (Cooper)

Reasons for reconstruction Reasons for reconstruction delaysdelays• ““The combination of big money, prime real estate, bottomless grief, The combination of big money, prime real estate, bottomless grief,

artistic ego, and dreams of legacy transformed ground zero into a artistic ego, and dreams of legacy transformed ground zero into a mosh pit of stakeholders banging heads over billions in federal aid, mosh pit of stakeholders banging heads over billions in federal aid, tax breaks and insurance proceeds.” – Daniel Libeskind, master tax breaks and insurance proceeds.” – Daniel Libeskind, master planner of WTC site (The Hole in the City’s Heart, p. 2)planner of WTC site (The Hole in the City’s Heart, p. 2)

• Conflicting interestsConflicting interests– Larry Silverstein and PANYNJ wants to make area profitable, develop an Larry Silverstein and PANYNJ wants to make area profitable, develop an

area that will succeed in the long-term, and also appease the publicarea that will succeed in the long-term, and also appease the public– Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg trying to appease public and Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg trying to appease public and

private investorsprivate investors• Creates turmoil by overruling LMDC, PANYNJ and Larry SilversteinCreates turmoil by overruling LMDC, PANYNJ and Larry Silverstein

– Disputes over designs Disputes over designs • Entities involved hardly ever come to a consensusEntities involved hardly ever come to a consensus• Governor, mayor, PANYNJ and Mr. Silverstein all have different visionsGovernor, mayor, PANYNJ and Mr. Silverstein all have different visions

– Designs have undergone three changesDesigns have undergone three changes• First change because of public discontent i.e. “Listening to the City”First change because of public discontent i.e. “Listening to the City”• Second change because of safety concernsSecond change because of safety concerns• Third design unveiled in 2005/2006Third design unveiled in 2005/2006

Reconstruction delays Reconstruction delays (cont.)(cont.)

– Mourning familiesMourning families• Some want entire site dedicated to 9/11Some want entire site dedicated to 9/11• Name issue hinders construction of 9/11 memorialName issue hinders construction of 9/11 memorial• Former Mayor Giuliani endorses bigger memorial siteFormer Mayor Giuliani endorses bigger memorial site

– CostsCosts• Memorial designs were temporarily discarded by Bloomberg Memorial designs were temporarily discarded by Bloomberg

because cost were $1 billion.because cost were $1 billion.– Insurance CompaniesInsurance Companies

• 9 companies owe $2.1 billion to Silverstein Properties and PANYNJ 9 companies owe $2.1 billion to Silverstein Properties and PANYNJ (www.builditnow.com)(www.builditnow.com)

– A lot of money investedA lot of money invested• Freedom Tower—$2.2 billionFreedom Tower—$2.2 billion• World Trade Center PATH Terminal—$2.2 billionWorld Trade Center PATH Terminal—$2.2 billion• World Trade Center Memorial Complex—$740 millionWorld Trade Center Memorial Complex—$740 million

– Symbol of post 9/11 AmericaSymbol of post 9/11 America

New York and Athens: Two Great New York and Athens: Two Great

Democratic MetropolisesDemocratic Metropolises • New York CityNew York City

– Representative governmentRepresentative government• Mayor-council form of governmentMayor-council form of government• Mayor has executive authorityMayor has executive authority

– Big BudgetBig Budget• Over $40 billion annuallyOver $40 billion annually

– Ethnically diverseEthnically diverse– Great ArchitectureGreat Architecture

• Empire State BuildingEmpire State Building• Statue of LibertyStatue of Liberty• Rockefeller CenterRockefeller Center• Freedom Tower?Freedom Tower?

– Center of modern worldCenter of modern world

• AthensAthens– Direct DemocracyDirect Democracy

• BouleBoule consisted of 500 persons from 10 consisted of 500 persons from 10 tribestribes

• Under Pericles, “what was nominally a Under Pericles, “what was nominally a democracy became in his hands democracy became in his hands government by the first citizen.” government by the first citizen.” (Thucydides, (Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian History of the Peloponnesian WarWar 2.65.1-11) 2.65.1-11)

• ““A man who wanted to direct Athenian A man who wanted to direct Athenian policy had to persuade the citizens…if he policy had to persuade the citizens…if he held office as general…that might add held office as general…that might add weight to what he said, but it gave him no weight to what he said, but it gave him no advantage beyond that” (Robinson, p. advantage beyond that” (Robinson, p. 203)203)

– Delian LeagueDelian League• Money via tribute and taxes from Athens’ Money via tribute and taxes from Athens’

alliesallies– ““We throw open our city to the world, We throw open our city to the world,

and never by alien acts exclude and never by alien acts exclude foreigners”— Pericles (Thucydides, foreigners”— Pericles (Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian WarHistory of the Peloponnesian War 2.37- 2.37-42)42)

– Parthenon Parthenon – Center of Greek worldCenter of Greek world

• Evident through the enormous amount of Evident through the enormous amount of information we have about Athens i.e. information we have about Athens i.e. primary and historical documents, arts, primary and historical documents, arts, architecture, etc. architecture, etc.

““Listening to the City” vs. Saratoga Listening to the City” vs. Saratoga

Spring’s charter reform:Spring’s charter reform: some similarities some similarities and differencesand differences

• ““Listening to the city” processListening to the city” process– The six concept plans were The six concept plans were

unveiled several days before unveiled several days before eventevent

– Two day event (July 20 and 22, Two day event (July 20 and 22, 2002)2002)

• Altogether 4,500 people attended Altogether 4,500 people attended • Between July 29 and August 12, Between July 29 and August 12,

2002, there was a online dialogue 2002, there was a online dialogue that allowed people to express that allowed people to express opinions. Total participants: 818 opinions. Total participants: 818 people.people.

– Participants were informed and Participants were informed and could vote at the event.could vote at the event.

– 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.9 a.m.- 4 p.m.– Anyone could attend. Though Anyone could attend. Though

limiting spacing available (5,000 limiting spacing available (5,000 people)people)

– Participants diverse in age, race, Participants diverse in age, race, income, occupation, and income, occupation, and hometowns.hometowns.

• Charter reform processCharter reform process– Reform proposed in August 2006.Reform proposed in August 2006.– Between September and October, Between September and October,

three meetings (9/5/06, 10/3/06 three meetings (9/5/06, 10/3/06 and 10/12/06) were held to inform and 10/12/06) were held to inform the citizens about the charter the citizens about the charter reform.reform.

– One meeting was held at One meeting was held at Skidmore College on October 30Skidmore College on October 30,, 2006.2006.

– The meetings were used to The meetings were used to inform. Participants could not inform. Participants could not vote.vote.

– Meetings usually lasted for a Meetings usually lasted for a couple of hours.couple of hours.

– Open to the public.Open to the public.– On November 7, 2006, only On November 7, 2006, only

citizens could vote.citizens could vote.

ConclusionConclusion

• Progress after five years?Progress after five years?– PANYNJ now has responsibility to build Path PANYNJ now has responsibility to build Path

station, memorial and two of five towers, which station, memorial and two of five towers, which includes the Freedom Towerincludes the Freedom Tower

– Mr. Silverstein unveiled designs of Towers 2, 3, Mr. Silverstein unveiled designs of Towers 2, 3, and 4 in 2006and 4 in 2006

– Memorial cost impedes constructionMemorial cost impedes construction– LMDC disbanding by January 2007; PANYNJ to LMDC disbanding by January 2007; PANYNJ to

take over responsibilitiestake over responsibilities– Governor Pataki’s tenure ending January 2007Governor Pataki’s tenure ending January 2007– Mayor Bloomberg to take over as chairman of Mayor Bloomberg to take over as chairman of

the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation

Conclusion (cont.)Conclusion (cont.)

• Democracy Effective?Democracy Effective?– ““Listening to the City” productive and led to changeListening to the City” productive and led to change

• But there has not been a similar town hall meeting since, while two new But there has not been a similar town hall meeting since, while two new designs have been revealeddesigns have been revealed

– Project is a government and private affairProject is a government and private affair– Rebuilding has not started because of layered bureaucracy and number Rebuilding has not started because of layered bureaucracy and number

of entities involved.of entities involved.– Public has powerful voicePublic has powerful voice

• Pataki’s plan to use rebuilding of Ground Zero to gain momentum for possible Pataki’s plan to use rebuilding of Ground Zero to gain momentum for possible presidential campaign may backfire.presidential campaign may backfire.

– Yet to be seen if public’s interests will be appeased (depends on Yet to be seen if public’s interests will be appeased (depends on rebuilding and final designs are not fully complete)rebuilding and final designs are not fully complete)

• The process of reconstructing Ground Zero compares to a The process of reconstructing Ground Zero compares to a representative government. The government represents the representative government. The government represents the public’s interests in a process that involves private entities.public’s interests in a process that involves private entities.

• So far, the process has been ineffective because construction has So far, the process has been ineffective because construction has not started on any of the projects other than on Tower 7, which was not started on any of the projects other than on Tower 7, which was built by Larry Silverstein’s company without government built by Larry Silverstein’s company without government interference.interference.

ReferencesReferences

• Bagli, Chalres V. “Ground Zero Still in Limbo as Talks Fail.” New York Times 31 March 2006: B1.• Bagli, Charles V. and Cardwell, Diane. “Bloomberg is Set to Take Reins of 9/11 Memorial Foundation.” New York Times 4

October 2006: A1.• Build It Now Campaign. <http://www.builditnow.com/main.cfm?

actionId=globalShowStaticContent&screenKey=insurance&show=background> • Christine Lidbury and Frank Posillico. “Understanding New York City’s Budget: A Guide”

<http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/understandingbudget.pdf> • Cooper, Michael. “Square One at Ground Zero.” New York Times 16 March 2006: B4.• Eisenstadt, Peter, ed. The Encyclopedia of New York State. Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 2005. • Dunlap, David W. “Downtown Rebuilding Agency Says it is no Longer Needed.” New York Times 26 July 2006: B2.• Dunlap, David W. “9/11 Faces Setback Over Names.” New York Times 27 June 2006: B1.• Government Chart <http://www.nyc.gov/html/om/html/orgchart/org_chart.html>• Lower Manhattan Development Corporation <http://www.renewnyc.com/default.aspx>• Lipton, Eric & Glanz, James. “The Height of Ambition.” New York Times 8 September 2002: Section 6, p.1.• Listening to the City. <http://www.listeningtothecity.org/>• Nathan, Richard P., and Gais, Thomas L. 2005 New York State Statistical Yearbook: 30th Edition. Albany: The Nelson A.

Rockefeller Institute of Government, 2005. • New York City Charter. <http://24.97.137.100/nyc/charter/entered.htm>• Robinson, Eric W., ed. Ancient Greek Democracy. Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2004.• Saratoga Springs website. http://www.saratoga-springs.org/docs/bpwebsite.asp• Sontag, Deborah. “The Hole in the City’s Heart.” New York Times 11 September 2006: F1. • “Four Percent of Manhattan's Total Office Space Was Destroyed in the World Trade Center Attack.” Buildings.com September 2001.

<http://www.buildings.com/Articles/detail.asp?ArticleID=341>