October 11th - October 15th, 2010

Talks to Resume with St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

October 12 – Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward told The Battery Park City Broadsheet negotiations may resume soon after being sidelined for more than a year. Ward said, “We are prepared to make a full compensation to make sure their church rises on the site.” Both sides had a deal to rebuild in July 2008, but discussions broke down after that.

1 WTC Reaches 42nd floor

October 12 – Steel is now up to the 42^nd floor on the tower which is destined to be the tallest building in the Northeast, according to Curbed.com. The website also reports the next step is to start installing the glass and metal façade, which should begin next month.

Downtown’s Vacancy Rate Rises

October 12 – The latest report from Cushman & Wakefield shows the vacancy rate in Lower Manhattan rose to 12.1% in September, up from 9.9% in the second quarter. Getting the blame for the jump is Goldman Sachs, which is relocating to new headquarters. Meanwhile, a report from Jones Lang LaSalle shows six of the 23 trophy buildings in Midtown have no space available and rents in Midtown are up about 9% in the last six months.

Plans to Revamp World Financial Center Revealed

October 13 - Brookfield Properties, which owns the WFC, will replace the marble staircase in the Winter Garden with escalators it says will improve pedestrian traffic. The Battery Park City Broadsheet Daily reported on the new design, which was revealed to Community Board 1. It also calls for a glass cube-like structure at the entrance. The food court will be reconstructed into a two story area with public seating that provides a view of New York Harbor.

Long Island Company will provide soil to the 9-11 Memorial

October 14 – Based in Yaphank, Long Island Compost was chosen as the soil supplier to help the 400 Swamp White Oak trees grow in an urban environment. The Long Island Press reports the trees and soil will be installed in a suspended paving system which will run the width of the Memorial plaza, allowing the trees roots to extend.

Ribbon Cutting at New School in Lower Manhattan

October 14 – Lots of excited children were on hand, as local politicians cut the ribbon to open P.S/I.S. 276, the newest school in Battery Park City. DNAINFO.com reports the $81 million elementary and middle school is the greenest school in NYC with solar panels to power the school’s lighting system and a recycling program. The new school will eventually house 950 students.

Record Attendance at Governor’s Island in 2010

October 14 – More than 443,000 people flocked to the Island, a 60 % jump from last summer. Attracting people to Governor’s was a 1920’s-themese jazz party, a miniature golf course, food festivals and a polo match featuring Prince Harry, according to a report in DNAINFO.com. Now that the season is over, officials are working on building new parks and public spaces, scheduled to open in 2012.

9-11 Responders May Settle the Port Authority

October 15 – The $47.5 million settlement would be in addition to the $712 million deal with the City, contractors and insurers which was reached earlier this year. The Port Authority settlement will go to those who were injured or have illnesses related to the cleanup at Ground Zero. More than 9,000 workers may be eligible.