Quote:
Originally Posted by artspook
At the time, public opinion was all over the map on this issue . .
but the true fiery vehemence, was for rebuilding . .
And so, the public was given its outcry . . Javitz was packed . .
The sorely needed event was well organized . . We broke into groups . .
everybody's opinion was tabulated in detail . .
The strong consensus . . "Rebuild !" . . with a vengeance ! . .
Later there came many architectural models of proposals . .
displayed for public viewing . . . Through a number of permutations, . .
we finally got a final impressive plan . .
For awhile, it wasn't clear if he would even retain ownership . . or be bought out . .
Silverstein-less options were seriously considered . .
Then to his credit, . . Silverstein decided, Yes I'll do it . .
He'd step up into the role as helmsman of the rebuilding process . .
|
I was at that listening to the city event at the Javits, and the only logical plan was basically what we have today. But the public couldn't conceive of a "site plan", so architectural firms were selected to present site plans (complete with renderings) of what a new WTC could look like. The only thing the people in attendance could agree on seeing built was something "iconic" on the skyline.
Silverstein never waivered on rebuilding (even in the immediate aftermath throwing out the idea of four 50-story towers). During the dark times when it appeared there would be no tenants for a new WTC, the calls were for building residential instead. Silverstein
did give us residential, in the form of 30 Park Place just to the north. Different administrations came in, and calls were being made for the Port Authority to concede that plans for rebuilding all of this office space were getting nowhere, and perhaps Silverstein should build less, or better yet be removed from the picture altogether since he seemed only concerned with rebuilding office space. Oddly enough, this would lead to our current version of Hudson Yards railroad development, as Sheldon Silver, angered over state of affairs at the WTC, blocked state funding of the proposed Jets stadium over the railyards.
Downtown is a different place today than it was before 9/11. But make no mistake, if Silverstein had not pressed for rebuilding that office space, you would not see much of the development taking place Downtown today.
Jose C. Hernandez