January 31st - February 4th, 2011

“Canyon of Heroes” Podcast Available

February 1 – The Downtown Alliance has released a 10-minute audio guide to the 204 ticker-tape parades which have taken place between Battery Park and City Hall over the past 125 years. The New York Times City Room blog says the podcast covers some of history’s most notable individuals and sports teams who have been honored. The podcast is available on CultureNOW’s Web site, as well as iTunes.

9/11 Time-Lapse Documentary Debuts

February 2 -  Rebirth," is the work of the Rebirth Project, which has been filming a time-lapse video at the WTC for the past nine years. According to WNYC radio, the film got two standing ovations, but didn’t win any awards. "Rebirth" is expected to be screened on television on September 11, 2011, ten years after the 2001 attacks. A theatrical release is also possibly in the works.

Battery Maritime Developers Seek International Funding

February 2 –  Dermot Co. is hoping to begin raising money this spring from EB-5, a federal program that grants green cards to foreign nationals who invest at least $500,000 in a project. The Wall Street Journal reports the developer has been unable to find traditional private financing.

Construction Spending Falls Near 11-Year Low

February 2 – The Commerce Department reported that in December, investment in both public and private projects declined, suggesting the construction industry would continue to struggle this year as federal stimulus spending tapered off. The New York Times said construction spending dropped 2.5 percent to an annual rate of $787.9 billion, the lowest level since July 2000. For all of 2010, construction spending declined 10.3 percent to $814.2 billion, also the lowest since 2000.

New East River Ferry Service Coming This Spring

February 2 - NY Waterway, a for-profit boating company, announced the new service will have 7 stops along the river, connecting Brooklyn, Queens to midtown and Lower Manhattan. The Daily News reports The ferry will cost $3 or $5.50, depending on the length of the ride. It will also offer free bus service from E. 34th St. will connect passengers to Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal.

Brookfield Properties Unveiled Redesign for WFC

February 3 - The $370 million project will create a new glass-pavilion entrance to the Winter Garden on West Street, more light-filled glass entrances and lobbies, and a greater density of retail opportunities. The Battery Park City Broadsheet Daily reports work on the project is scheduled to begin this year and finish by 2013 for all but the retail portion, which will continue into 2014. The loss of the beloved Winter Garden Staircase will be offset by an indoor food market along a central corridor that opens onto related restaurants, with open access to a dining terrace that will include 700 public seats.

BPC Half Marathon Angers Some Residents

February 3 – Battery Park City residents were upset to find out this week that organizers of one of the city’s biggest road races are planning to take over a large section of their northern neighborhood next month. The Battery Park City Broadsheet reported 10,000 runners are expected for the Sunday, March 20^th race. Community leaders told the Road Runners club closing lots of streets in the community for two days will ‘be a disaster.’

Work Underway on Securing PATH Tunnels

February 4 – The Battery Park City Broadsheet reports since early-December, Lower Manhattan residents have been wondering about a marine engineering project taking place in the middle of the Hudson. Each day, the crane moves to a point between Jersey City and Battery Park City, lifts what appears to be a large, brightly colored blanket off the barge, and lowers it to the river floor, before moving to a new position and repeating the procedure. A source within the PA (who asked not to be identified) explained that "they are laying heavy, blast-resistant blankets over the tubes for the PATH train, so that if there is ever a terrorist attack, the explosion will be less likely to puncture the tunnels."