February 15th - February 19th, 2010

Ground Zero Arts Center Approved

February 14 – Crain’s reports that city officials confirmed the Frank Gehry-designed theater will be constructed on the originally planned site. The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation has released $50 million needed to construct the subterranean support structure for the center.

Lawyers Dispute Suits

February 15 – Lawyers representing New York City claim many of the suits contain inconsistent claims and have asked the judge to dismiss some of the first cases headed toward trial, reported the Associated Press. There are more than 9,000 legal claims filed against the city. Of those 30 are being considered candidates for trial.

LMDC Seeks Staff Changes

February 15 – The LMDC is alarmed by the growing number of safety violations at the deconstruction site and has demanded the contractor Bovis Lend Lease replace managers on the job, reported the Downtown Express.

Brookfield Faces Challenges

February 16 – As the Port Authority seeks an investor to boost leasing efforts at 1 World Trade Center, Brookfield Properties was named as a candidate. Brookfield already 16% stake in downtown Class A market, but would be interested in expanding it’s portfolio. The NY Post reports six bids from Vornado Realty Trust, Related Cos., the Durst Organization, Boston Properties, Hines Interests and Brookfield Properties have been submitted as investor partners with the PA.

WTC Transit Hub Faces Delay

February 17 – The Federal Transit Administration reported the $3.2 billion WTC transit hub could take a year longer to complete than the current schedule indicates, reported the NY Post. The review gives the Port Authority a 25% chance of meeting the project’s target date of mid-2014.

Concrete Testing Company Convicted

February 17 – Testwell Laboratories Testwell Laboratories, and its owner, V. Reddy Kancharla were convicted Wednesday of falsifying the test results of different concrete mixes, reported The New York Times. Testwell has been hired to evaluate the strength of concrete in some of the most prominent project in the city. Jurors have yet to reach a verdict on the more serious charge of enterprise corruption.

New York City Seek Immunity

February 17 – The City, the Port Authority and other defendants in a federal lawsuit following the cleanup of the World Trade Center are expected to file papers explaining why they seek immunity and are not responsible, reports Newsday. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who is overseeing the case, said lawyers are currently engaged in negotiations to settle thousands of lawsuits.

Sliverstein Increases WTC Offer

February 18 – The New York Observer reports developer Larry Silverstein has increased his proposal to include more of his own money in an effort to end his dispute with the Port Authority. Mr. Silverstein has reportedly increased the amount he will include in the deal between $150 million and $250 million to fund the second tower. He had originally offered $50 million.