September 1st - September 5th, 2008

Steel Erected for WTC Memorial

September 2 – The first pieces of steel to frame the September 11 Memorial were erected this week. Workers will bolt into place 25 foot-high steel columns that will be the underpinning of the memorial. More than 8,000 tons of steel are being shipped to Lower Manhattan from a fabrication plant in South Carolina. Joseph C. Daniels, president and chief executive of the memorial and the museum hopes to have the memorial plaza ready for September 11, 2011. This week marks the 40^th anniversary of the start of construction of the framework for the World Trade Center.

Residents Sue NYPD

September 3 – The NYPD is being sued by residents who are unhappy with the Department’s plan for a command bunker near 1 Police Plaza. According to The Daily News, the bunker could create unexpected road closures and the residents want the NYPD to conduct an environmental review. The NYPD denies there’s a need for a review as it’s not required under the law.

Study of Emergency Response Center Dedicated

September 3 – A new center at John Jay College of Criminal Justice will study emergency responses to catastrophes such as the 9-11 attacks. Newsday reported the center will be named after Chrisian Regenhard, the 28 year old firefighter who was killed in the attacks. Regenhard’s mother Sally who found the Skyscraper Safety Campaign said, “This center will honor all first responders who lost their lives as a result of 9/11 and can help to ensure the safety of all responders in the future.”

Safety and Security under Review at Deutsche Bank

September 5 – There’s evidence that workers at the Deutsche Bank building are smoking and drinking on the job. The Daily News reports inspectors found empty cigarette packs and beer cans on several floors of the building, which is undergoing decontamination. The Fire Department is investigating and is expected to issue recommendations next week to improve safety and security on the site.

First Annual Health Report for Residents Released

September 5 – The WTC Medical Working Group released its first annual health report on people who lived and/or worked near the site on 9-11. The study found posttraumatic stress disorder was common in the first six months and could continue longer than that if left untreated. It also found asthma rates among first responders were two or three times higher than expected levels and 25 percent of firefighters still have respiratory symptoms. The City has kicked off a $5 million advertising campaign to encourage people who are suffering with 9-11 health related problems to get help.