World Trade Center rebuilding controversy

One proposal for rebuilt Twin Towers

The controversy surrounding the reconstruction of the World Trade Center stems from the plans to rebuild the former twin towers of the original World Trade Center in New York City. The Lower Manhattan Development Corp. (LMDC) was formed after the September 11 attacks to plan the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and distribute nearly $10 billion in federal funds aimed at rebuilding downtown Manhattan. Currently under construction at the site is the 1,776 ft (541 m) 1 World Trade Center and several smaller buildings.

Criticism of progress

An episode of CBS's 60 Minutes in 2010 focused on the lack of progress at Ground Zero, particularly on the lack of completion dates for a majority of the buildings, the main tower, 1 World Trade Center (previously known as the Freedom Tower) having gone through three different designs, and the delays and monetary expense involved. Investor Larry Silverstein said that the Port Authority's estimated completion date for the entire site was 2037, and that billions of dollars had already been spent on the project, even though Ground Zero "is still a hole in the ground." During an interview for the episode, Larry Silverstein said "I am the most frustrated person in the world...I'm seventy-eight years of age; I want to see this thing done in my lifetime."^[1]. However, it was noted that in early 2011, all 5 office towers of the World Trade Center are under construction with significant progress being made. All of the towers will be opened between 2012–2016, with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum already completed on the tenth anniversary of the attacks, on September 11, 2011. Criticism of progress and calls for redesigns were mostly made in 2008 and 2009, when progress at the site was clearly not being made.

References

1. ^ "Developer: Ground Zero a National Disgrace - 60 Minutes: Eight Years and Billions of Dollars Later, Part of 9/11 Site is Still Just a Big Hole". CBS News. 2010-02-18. p. 1. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/18/60minutes/main6220282.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody. 

External links

New York City portal

• The Twin Towers Alliance Official campaign for the rebuilding of the Twin Towers.
• Twin Towers II Alternative design for World Trade Center that includes taller and stronger Twin Towers.

Coordinates: 40°42′42″N 74°00′44″W / 40.711641°N 74.012253°W / 40.711641; -74.012253