LMDC to hold hearings on trade center designs

Real Estate Weekly, Dec 18, 2002

The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation announced "Plans in Progress," a comprehensive public outreach campaign to be launched following the release of new World Trade Center site design plans. The LMDC selected seven teams comprised of some of the world's most talented planning and design professionals to propose new designs for the World Trade Center site, which will be released to the public on Dec. 18.

The LMDC will use multiple avenues to engage the public in a discussion about the future of Lower Manhattan, including a three-hour televised presentation of the plans on Dec. 18; an exhibit at the World Financial Center Winter Garden adjacent to the World Trade Center site; a video presentation featuring interviews with the designers; public meetings, including a large-scale public meeting at Pace University in Lower Manhattan and a public meeting in New Jersey; and the presentation of the plans online, where comments can also be submitted.

LMDC chairman John C. Whitehead said, "The LMDC has always reached out to the many constituencies concerned about the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan and reflected their views in our continuing work. This new campaign will provide a broad range of options for the public to learn about our latest plans and to continue to contribute their suggestions."

LMDC president Lou Tomson said, 'From LMDC's inception, the public has been involved in every step of the planning process and has already helped shape the outcome. In many respects, the new plans will reflect the hopes and aspirations of the public that were expressed during many public meetings and thousands of heartfelt emails. The concept of a powerful skyline in Lower Manhattan and preserving the footprints for memorial space are two examples that originated with public comment, but there are many more. Once again, the LMDC will engage the public as we enter this next, important phase in the planning process."

Some of the elements of the "Plans in Progress" campaign include:

* Presentation of Designs: The seven teams will present their designs during a three-hour presentation on Dec. 18, beginning at 10 a.m. The presentation will be carried live on NY 1 television and transmitted via pool feed to television stations worldwide.

* Winter Garden Exhibit: The designs will be on display in an exhibit hosted by the World Financial Center Arts and Events Program at the Winter Garden, adjacent to the World Trade Center site from Dec. 20 through Feb. 2, 2003. The exhibit will be open to the public daily, including holidays, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors will be able to explore the plans and view models, watch a video presentation of the teams describing their plans in their own words, and submit comments on the plans.

* Video Presentation: The LMDC is producing a video that will provide a succinct interpretation of the plans for a general audience. The video will feature each team speaking in their own voice, describing their concepts and the challenges involved in planning. The video will make it possible for an even greater number of people to view and comment on the plans. The video will be distributed to libraries around the City and other interested organizations.

* Public Meetings: The LMDC will either sponsor or participate in several public forums to explain the plans and solicit comment. The LMDC will hold a large-scale public meeting regarding the plans at Pace University on Jan. 13. The LMDC will hold a second meeting at Pace University the following day, Jan. 14, to solicit comments on the draft memorial mission statement and program. The LMDC will hold an additional public meeting in New Jersey and will also make presentations at forums sponsored both by the LMDC and other organizations.

* Memorial Mission Statement and Program: The LMDC will release a draft Memorial Mission Statement and draft Memorial Program at the end of December. As part of the outreach effort, a public meeting will be held at Pace University on Jan. 14. The documents will be mailed to thousand of victims' family members to invite comments. The LMDC will also partner with civic and non-profits, such as Imagine New York, chambers of commerce throughout New York City, Project Liberty, to broaden the outreach effort.

* Internet: The plans will be accessible through www.LowerManhattan.info and through LMDC's website, www.RenewNYC. com. Visitors will be able to learn about the planning process, view a slide presentation of the plans, read about the teams and submit comments directly to the LMDC from anywhere in the world.

A complete report of the comments will be published and available to the public in February 2003.