February 27th - March 2nd, 2012

1993 WTC Bombing Remembered

February 26 – Fox New York reports, a memorial service was held at St. Peter’s Church in Lower Manhattan to remember the victims of the bombing of the parking garage at the World Trade Center in 1993. Islamic extremists built the bomb and detonated around 12:15 p.m. on February 26, 1993 which killed six people and injured over a 1,000. Ramsi Yousef was convicted as the mastermind behind the bombing along with six others.

Port Names Arts Expert to WTC Project

February 27 -- The New York Observer reports, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has taken a step towards bringing art to the site by tapping Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel as a public art consultant for the World Trade Center. Art at the WTC redevelopment, has become much of an afterthought at this point. Part of her job will be to figure out exactly what art would be appropriate for the site, and where, but the exact aspects of the consultation is still being worked out.

Proposal Would End PA Worker Perks

February 27 -- Separate measures that would end perks enjoyed by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey employees and help assure toll-payers that their money is being spent responsibly received the Senate Transportation Committee's endorsement Monday.

The Port Authority has recently been criticized by audits showing rising employee compensation, excessive overtime and ballooning debt. The bistate agency's finances came under scrutiny in August when the board approved steep toll increases at New Jersey-New York crossings that outraged many commuters.

A bill eliminating free tolls, sports tickets and other perks was approved with little debate. The measure would impose new restrictions in the wake of reports of patronage and perks for Port Authority executives. A similar bill cleared an Assembly transportation panel earlier this month.

City Announces Plans for Pier 42

February 29 -- As the East River waterfront continues to receive a makeover, one particular portion is in for a significant overhaul thanks to a government grant approved last month, reported the Downtown Express.

The city’s wish to revamp Pier 42, located between Gouverneur and Jackson Streets, didn’t seem plausible in 2010, when officials announced that the funds to launch the project simply weren’t available. But just last month, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation approved $14 million for the pier’s redevelopment.

The project will entail demolishing an abandoned shed to pave way for a community-friendly waterfront amenity, the specifics of which have yet to be determined, according to Lawrence Mauro, program manager of the city Parks Departments’ Lower Manhattan projects. In the spring, the Parks Department will hire a design consultant to brainstorm ideas with the community and help see the plans to fruition.