CB1 hears report on progress at WTC site

In its monthly World Trade Center (WTC) committee meeting, Community Board 1 heard an update on WTC redevelopment status from Port Authority of New York and New Jersey representatives.

Led by Quentin Brathwaite, assistant director of priority capital programs, the Port Authority reported that the 16-acre site has undergone steady progress toward creation of the WTC Transportation Hub, the future Vehicular Security Center, and the "east bathtub" (from which towers two, three, and four will rise).

The $2.2 billion WTC Transportation Hub, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is now in the first phase of construction, which includes infrastructure and foundation development. The next step will come in early 2007 and includes relocation of the PATH station's entry stairwell to just south of its current location and dismantling of its entrance canopy. By fall 2007, the station's entrance will be temporarily relocated to Vesey Street at Greenwich Street while the permanent station is built.

Other upcoming work for the transportation hub includes early construction of the "east-west connector," a pedestrian concourse that will eventually link the WTC to the Winter Garden below West Street. Test pits for that work took place in late summer 2006, and actual construction will begin soon on the west side of West Street on the grounds outside the Winter Garden.

Port Authority engineers and designers also recently revised plans for the transportation hub's oculus based on NYPD feedback about its security. The oculus design now features stronger east and west ends.

Brathwaite also reported that the Port Authority is looking into use of ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel in the transportation hub's off-site construction vehicles and that work on a water main along the site's north end is now underway. He added that plans for retail within the hub and at the base of each WTC tower continue to be refined.

Construction of the "east bathtub" also is in early phases on the east side of the WTC site, with utility relocation underway near the fence along Church Street. That bathtub will contain the footings for towers two, three, and four -- being developed by Silverstein Properties -- as well as for the transportation hub.

The other major update presented to CB1 was about the Vehicular Security Center, planned for the south side of the site with an entrance at Liberty and Greenwich Streets. The center will be the security checkpoint for all delivery, service, and other vehicles entering the WTC, as well as the tour-bus parking area.

Official designs for the Vehicular Security Center are expected in fall 2007, but already plans include interior space for vehicle queuing, vertical ventilation via the WTC towers, and easy access from West Street to minimize local traffic congestion.

For more information about Port Authority WTC progress, visit www.pathrestoration.com.

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