September 13th - September 17th, 2010

Annual Tribute in Light distracts thousands of migratory birds

September 13 - The annual tribute to the Twin Towers had to be shutdown several times because approximately 10,000 birds became confused on their migratory path and flew into the beams. Wired Science reported the birds were not injured, but officials were concerned they would expend energy needed for flight. Once the lights were turned off, the birds continued on their migration.

Work begins Sunday, September 19th on a major portion of the Third Water Tunnel

September 14 - The project involves repairing water mains and connecting them to the Citys third water tunnel, potentially creating traffic headaches in the area of the Holland Tunnel. The Wall Street Journal reports drivers wont be able to enter the tunnel from Hudson Street; instead theyll have to go up West Street and turn onto Canal or go to Spring Street, then Varick and into the Broome Street entrance. The work is expected to continue through 2015.

Bylaws amended at the Battery Park City Authority

September 15 - The Board voted to change the succession rules, allowing Chairman Bill Thompson to appoint an acting president when current president James Cavanaugh leaves later this month. The Battery Park City Broadsheet Daily says it expects Thompson to designate Gayle Horwitz as the BPCAs acting president, when Cavanaugh retires.

The 9-11 Memorial is being criticized for its new iPhone App

September 16 - The free application, according to DNAINFO.com, displays 9-11 photos taken on the day of the attacks and some users say the pictures are graphic and upsetting. Others who rated it on iTunes gave the app five stars. Called Explore 9/11, it also includes a walking tour of Lower Manhattan and an interactive timeline.

CB1 calls on LMDC to come up with a plan for the Performing Arts Center

September 16 - Community Board 1 passed a resolution urging the LMDC to form a fundraising group that will also assess the programming of the PAC. Catherine McVay Hughes, CB1 co-chair, told The Downtown Express that the PAC board should be independent of LMDC and the 9-11 Memorial. CB1 Chair Julie Menin added, the resolution calls for a reopening of the RFP process to cultural institutions on the WTC site.

West Thames Park to close for two weeks

September 16 - Only three months after it opened, the park is being closed at the end of September for several repairs. At the top of the list is the poor drainage at the water play area. Other problems include a crack in the safety surface and mud in the grass field. In addition, a state Department of Transportation spokesperson told local residents that the tire swing, which injured several children despite being built according to standard-issue plans, will be re-installed.

New contractor chosen for Pier A rehabilitation

September 16 - The Battery Park City Authority voted to hire Stalco to rehabilitate the dilapidated pier. The project, according to The Battery Park City Broadsheet Daily, includes HVAC, painting and woodwork. Stalco was the lowest bidder at approximately $9 million.