The devastating death toll in Asia and Africa from last weekend’s tsunamis reminds us in Lower Manhattan about the preciousness of life as we close out 2004. The attack here three years ago was a devastating blow, albeit not as deadly, and we are continuing to recover. We remember well the outpouring of support that came here from all over the world and it is our wish that those who are able do what they can to help the people suffering from the Indian Ocean disaster.
A New Year is a natural time to reflect on progress made and hopes for the future. We are thankful we went another year Downtown and all over America without a terrorist attack and it is our hope that there will be policy changes in Washington to make us safer at home and bring stability and improved lives around the world, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. Closer to home, there has been continued progress on the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan — not as fast as we’d like, but steady nevertheless.
Adjustments to the World Trade Center memorial design were announced and we hope for success as the memorial fundraising efforts are about to begin.
Next month, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority expects to start construction on the Fulton Transit Center, an important project for Downtown’s economic future, unlike the M.T.A.’s other post-9/11-funded project to begin in January — renovation of the South Ferry subway station. Construction on the Santiago Calatrava-designed train center at the World Trade Center site will begin in 2005, not as early as the most ambitious predictions, but a most welcome development indeed.
As we look back on our wishes from a year ago, it is a mixed bag. The most notable disappointment from our list was that Gov. George Pataki’s suggestion that President George W. Bush (whose reelection was a much greater disappointment) would find additional federal aid for Lower Manhattan’s recovery looks like it may be an empty hope. Pataki has not yet been able to secure a transfer of $2 billion of never-used tax credits to a commuter-airport rail link. We hope Congress approves the transfer early in 2005 rather than letting the cut in Bush’s $21 billion promise to Downtown stand.
There was progress on the myriad park projects underway in Lower Manhattan and we look forward to the pending opening of the large Pier 40 courtyard fields, and the expected funding from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation for most of the Tribeca section of the Hudson River Park. The L.M.D.C., a state-city authority, did not come up with the plan for its remaining $800 million of federal money in 2004, but one is expected in March. More important than the timetable though is a real inclusion of the public before the plan’s outline is released, and not after.
Some L.M.D.C. money will go to the memorial and W.T.C. cultural center, and we hope there will also be some for affordable housing, significant waterfront improvements and other amenities for residents — particularly the promised K-8 school on Downtown’s East Side. We wish the city finds a school site early in 2005.
In Battery Park City, requests for proposals to develop the last vacant sites in the neighborhood should be released early next year and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of the residential neighborhood as well as the construction of the Goldman Sachs tower on B.P.C.’s last commercial site.
The city will select a new mayor next year and we hope to see a strong Democratic challenger emerge — which will mean Mayor Mike Bloomberg will have to earn four more years.
Most of all we wish Downtowners and people all over a year filled with peace and happiness.
WWW Downtown Express
