Developers Hint Possible Change to WTC Memorial Design

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, June 13, 2003

Developers Hint Possible Change to WTC Memorial Design

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One of the most recognizable features of the future World Trade Center (WTC) site may not happen, and the design for a sunken memorial location could be moved up to ground level, said redevelopment officials on Thursday.

At a board meeting of Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), the agency responsible for redeveloping the WTC site, Chairman John Whitehead said a design at street level could be selected when he was asked about the possibility of changing architect Daniel Libeskind's memorial space.

"I would say it's a question where the door is slightly ajar, but not very far ajar," said Whitehead. "Certainly the below ground location for the memorial site 30 feet below ground and theexposure of the slurry wall was an important part of the Libeskindplan. This issue is now up to the jury."

Kevin Rampe, the agency's interim president, confirmed that Libeskind's site plan could "change in response to environmental concerns."

New York City environmental reviews have derailed a number of projects, with advocacy groups often resort to suing to change or halt projects.

The idea of a sunken memorial has also led to debates among local residents. Some of local residents and business owners argueagainst preserving the pit where the Twin Towers stood, saying they do not want it to be a permanent reminder in the neighborhoodthey live and work in every day.

The original WTC was reduced to ground in the terror attacks onNew York on Sept. 11, 2001.

Libeskind's original plan called for the memorial to be 70 feet (21.3 meters) below ground, but he revised the plan and moved it up to 30 feet. A subway station is being rebuilt below.

The agency will hold an initial public hearing to define the environmental impact of the design on July 23.

It plans to complete the review in April 2004, with construction to begin on the 1776-foot-high (541.3 meters) FreedomTower in August 2004, or sooner if possible.

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