Archived News -- August 2002

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August 31,† 2002

On August 31, the NY Post, reported that WTC leaseholder, Larry Silverstein predicted that the first office building at the WTC site would be opened by 2008, with more phased in by 2012. He said his phased-in plans will not create a glut of office space. His plans call for a 5-acre memorial.

ARCHIVED: NY Post: "Wait Till '08 for 1st WTC Tower: Builder," by Maggie Haberman



August 30,† 2002

Team Twin Towers and the rebuild movement were solidly represented on August 29, at Time Warner's NY 1 News Channel Town Hall meeting regarding what should be built at the WTC site. In response to "who would work on the upper floors?" several people in the room raised their hands high. TTT Co-Founder Ron Devito, showed the host, John Schimel the enthusiastic response and followed with, "People who think no one will work there should tell that to Arther Vignapiano, a Port Authority employee who barely got out alive. He could not be here tonight, but he not only wants the Towers back, he'll be the first to ride the elevator to the top. His co-workers feel the same way." See the commentary page for full text of the Vignapiano family's pro-rebuilding sentiments. TTT Supporter Don Dunphy spoke, as did Jon Hakala. The hearing was broadcast live on C-Span II and the host read several e-mails advocating rebuilding the Twin Towers. Guy Tozolli, President of the World Trade Centers Association, and who was instrumental in the construction of the original buildings defended their architecture and structural engineering characteristics. It was clearly a successful night.



August 29,† 2002

On August 29, the NY Post, ran "The Vacancy Lie," by columnist Steve Cuozzo in which he argued that the 20% vacancy rate quoted by some is pure myth. He further argued in telling detail how the vacancy rate in lower Manhattan is no higher than anywhere else. This is important, because one of the reasons to rebuild the Twin Towers is to restore lost office space.

ARCHIVED: NY Post: "The Vacancy Lie," by Steve Cuozzo



August 27,† 2002

On August 27, the NY Post reported that the rebuilt portion of the 1/9 subway tracks will be ready for business on September 15. Tests with empty trains will be conducted this weekend to insure that the track was laid correctly.

ARCHIVED: NY Post: "Rebuilt 1/9 Subway Line Almost Ready to Roll," by William Neuman



August 24,† 2002

Though the NY Post switched its Saturday "Letters to the Editor" to the subject of 9/11 commemorations until Saturday, September 7, one letter stood out as recommending the ultimate form of commemoration: "Imagine how inspiring it would be for our country if on Sept. 11, at 10:29 a.m., President Bush stuck in a shovel at the World Trade Center site, proclaiming that our nation's year of mourning was complete. And to show our resolve, he announced it was time to rebuild exactly what was previously there." The letter, written by Mitchell Dodell, is sixth down from the top.

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion Letters: "Remembering a Day Unlike any Other"

The NY Times reported that two trial dates have been set for Larry Silverstein's insurance case. The November 4 trial is to determine if the the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers was one attack or two. He would receive up to $3.5 billion for one attack, $7 billion for two. The second trial which may occur in march will be to determine the exact amount of his settlement, though a single attack ruling may make the second trial unnecessary.

ARCHIVED: NY Times: "First of Two Possible Trials Is Set in Trade Center Insurance Case," by Charles V. Bagli



August 22,† 2002

The LMDC held its second of five public hearings on August 21, this time in Brooklyn, NY. Team Twin Towers supporters, John Lictro, Jennifer Thorpe, and Don Dunphy all delivered pro-rebuilding speeches, which were very well received. Jennifer spoke about the Towers standing tall and proud for over an hour, which saved 25,000 lives. John spoke about rebuilding to defeat terrorism. Ron spoke about the importance of rebuilding the Twin Towers to keep Lower Manhattan a center of economic and tourist activity.


Team Twin Towers will be present at the Manhattan LMDC hearing on September 5, at Pace University.



August 21,† 2002

The LMDC began its series of public hearings in each borough on August 20th. Vice President Ron Devito and his wife Elsy, who are Staten Island residents were present at the Staten Island hearing. Ron secured interviews with major media outlets. He posed for a NY Post photographer holding a copy of that paper's July 14 and 20 front pages calling for the rebuilding of the Twin Towers.


Team Twin Towers will be present at the Brooklyn LMDC hearing on August 21, and the Manhattan LMDC hearing on September 5. The latter is being held at Pace University. Though extreme memorialists ruled this evening, TTT still got its message out to the LMDC and to the press:


ARCHIVED: Staten Island Advance: "WTC Hearing Opens Wounds," by Stephanie Slepian



August 20,† 2002

On August 20, the NY Post ran a letter to the editor questioning why New York City will not rebuild the Twin Towers. He cited the example, of Dresden, Germany which was destroyed in allied bombing raids during WWII and rebuilt. Dresden is poised to rebuild/clean up a second time as floodwaters recede. "Fear should never be the basis of urban planning. Not only would I be willing to work on the 100th floor, I'd live on the roof."

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion Letters: "Germany Will Rebuild: Why Won't America?"



August 19,† 2002

On August 19, the NY Post ran an article which described how tourists are swarming to the WTC site, but are only purchasing 9/11-related schlock from street vendors. Just about every other type of business in the area is losing significant income as a result. Since Team Twin Towers' founding, this is an issue that was raised on our FAQ page. Said one tourist, "I don't even feel like buying water...It makes me feel like all these people died so someone could sell a cap or T-shirt."

ARCHIVED: NY Post: "WTC's Tourists Spend Time, Not $$," by Sandra Peterson



August 18,† 2002

On August 18, pro-rebuilder Andrew Oliff wrote a column for the NY Post, in which he aptly compared the rebuilding process to the rebuilding of Peal Harbor and called for the Twin Towers to be rebuilt.

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion Columnists: "Sacred Perspective," by Andrew Oliff



August 17,† 2002

Beginning July 27, the NY Post dedicated its Saturday "Letters to the Editor" to the subject of what should be built at the WTC site. Out of today's run of 10 letters eight supported rebuilding. Until September 7...the last Saturday, before September 11, the remaining Saturday Letters will be dedicated to 9/11 commemorations.

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion Letters: "Show No Fear -- Put the Towers Back Up"

On August 17, the NY Times reported that Larry Silverstein is girding for a battle to save his leasehold on the WTC site. If the Bloomberg Administration succeeds in taking the WTC site in a land-swap, the next step will be to condemn Silverstein's lease. Said Silverstein, "I am obligated under the terms of my ground lease to take the insurance company monies and use those monies for rebuilding," He also said, "My personal view is that those monies are vested with a public trust." His insurers, who see him as "extortionate," as well as the Bloomberg administration which is against rebuilding the Twin Towers have a vested interest in condeming the lease.

ARCHIVED: NY Times: "Trade Center Leaseholder Braces for Battle," by Charles V. Bagli



August 16,† 2002

On August 16, Scripps Howard Columnist Deroy Murdock's "Rebuild the Towers" was published in National Review, and several newspapers nationwide that subscribe to the Scripps Howard service. The column called for the Twin Towers to be rebuilt at least as tall as before; expounded on the public desire to rebuild, and gave a brief history of past recoveries from major tragedies.

Scripps Howard Service: "Rebuild the Towers," by Deroy Murdock

On August 16, the NY Post ran this editorial, stating that commerce, not the memorial should be the primary consideration for the WTC site.

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion: "Commerce Belongs at Ground Zero"



August 15,† 2002

The celebrities came out last night in Los Angeles to support Team Twin Towers for their pro-rebuilding message in an evening of Comedy and Honor headlined by veteran comedian Paul Rodriguez and hosted by NiCole Robinson from the television series The West Wing. Some of the celebrities who came out to show their support were Ed O'Ross from Six Feet Under, Kim Webster from The West Wing, Eva Longoria from Beverly Hills 90210, Nicholas Gonzales from Resurrection Blvd., comedians John Mendoza and Joey Medina among others. Click here for photos.



August 14,† 2002

On August 14, the NY Post ran two editorials relating to the hub at the WTC site. The first one, "The Ground Zero Hub..." discussed the general importance of building the hub and how its planning affects above-ground building. The second editorial "And Why it Matters" discussed how some victims' families want to extend the concept of the footprints being sacred ground down to bedrock, and why they should have a say, but not the last word.

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion: "The Ground Zero Hub..."

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion: "...And Why it Matters"

On August 14, the NY Daily News reported that the LMDC is seeking architecture firms to submit revised plans for the WTC site.

ARCHIVED: NY Daily News: "Seek Firms to Pitch New WTC Ideas," by Greg Gittrich and Leo Standora



August 13,† 2002

On August 13, the NY Times reported that by close of business today, the World Financial Center's trademark palm trees will have been re-planted in the Winter Garden, which was severely damaged during the 9/11 attacks.

ARCHIVED: NY Times: "Palms Return to an Island (Manhattan)," by Glen Collins

On August 13, the NY Daily News also reported that the Federal Government has allocated $4.55 billion of the $21.4 billion rebuilding aid package for the proposed transit hub at the WTC site.

ARCHIVED: NY Daily News: "$4.55B boost for WTC hub," by Greg Gittrich



August 10,† 2002

Beginning July 27, the NY Post dedicated its Saturday "Letters to the Editor" to the subject of what should be built at the WTC site. Out of today's run of 12 letters 11 supported rebuilding. Saturday Letters will continue to be dedicated to this topic till September 7...the last Saturday, before September 11.

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion Letters: "Rebuilding Towers in Full Must be an Option"



August 9,† 2002

On August 9th, the NY Times reported that Larry Silverstein and his insurers failed to reach a settlement and the disputed insurance claim will go to trial in November. To settle the case, Silverstein offered to accept $5.7 billion, while Swiss Re offered him $1.8 billion. Insurance claims are in dispute because Silverstein claims the 9/11 attacks were two attacks, and thus entitles him to a double claim. His insurers regard 9/11 as a single attack, thus a single claim.

ARCHIVED: NY Times: "Settlement Offers Fail to End Trade Center Insurance Battle," by Charles Bagli



August 6,† 2002

On August 6th, the NY Times ran this editorial stating that the Port Authority has gone from a professional and effective agency to a marginal political body. "The final plan for the World Trade Center site should not be driven by the financial requirements of any agency or the patronage needs of any political leader. It should shaped by a body independent enough to pursue our common interest in creating something lasting. The architects, engineers and construction firms that will actually rebuild downtown need a client with power, patience, professionalism, political skills and courage. The Port Authority would have to be reformed to fit that profile again ó a scenario not very likely in the current political climate. It's not that the agency is worse than other public bodies in the region; it's just that it has been remade into a routine arm of government."

ARCHIVED: NY Times Editorial/Op-Ed: "The Port Authority's Role in the World Trade Center" by Richard C. Leone, President Century Foundation; Former Chairman, Port Authority of NY and NJ



August 5,† 2002

On August 5, NY Newsday ran a special section chronicling the history of New York City's skyscrapers and offering perspectives on their future.

ARCHIVED: NY Newsday: "The Next New York: Skyscrapers"



August 3,† 2002

Beginning July 27, the NY Post dedicated its Saturday "Letters to the Editor" to the subject of what should be built at the WTC site. Out of today's run of 14 letters 13 supported rebuilding. Saturday Letters will continue to be dedicated to this topic till September 7..the last Saturday, before September 11.

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion Letters: "New Yorkers Agree: The Twin Towers Must be Rebuilt"



August 2,† 2002

On August 2, the NY Post ran an editorial and column both supporting the rebuilding of the Twin Towers. "The Glut Excuse," outlined the importance of restoring all 11 million square feet of lost office space to Lower Manhattan's long-term commercial viability. "The Rebuilding Stall" described how the rebuilding process seems to be retrogressing and stalled on the issue of square footage. "Just last year, a panel of distinguished city big-shots, led by Sen. Charles Schumer and former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, was warning that businesses would flee if they couldn't find sufficient places to set up shop. That group called for 60 million square feet (this was prior to September 11) of new office space to accommodate some 300,000 workers by 2020."

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion: "The 'Glut' Excuse," by Steve Cuozzo

ARCHIVED: NY Post Opinion Editorials: "The Rebuilding Stall"