November 21st - November 28th, 2003

Mayor, Amex CEO Announce Campaign to Aid Reopening of Statue of Liberty

Tuesday, Nov. 25: Mayor Michael Bloomberg and American Express Chairman-CEO Kenneth Chenault kicked off a nationwide campaign to raise $5 million for security improvements that would allow the Statue of Liberty to reopen to the public.

Lady Liberty has been closed to visitors since 9/11 because of security concerns, although Liberty Island has remained open. The sought-after improvements would update the Statue's fire-suppression and emergency-notification systems, create additional exits, and enhance other safety and security features.

American Express, which has pledged $3 million to the effort, also commissioned filmmaker Martin Scorsese to make a documentary on the Statue for airing on the History Channel Jan. 15.

"Reopening the Statue of Liberty will show that New York will always stand for freedom and remain the world's second home," the mayor said at the announcement in Battery Park.

The Statue of Liberty "has inspired people the world over for more than 100 years and today she needs our help," Chenault said. "By reopening her doors to the public, we hope to attract visitors from around the world who will rediscover her role as a beacon of freedom and hope."

To donate, or for more information, visit www.statueofliberty.org.

NYU Downtown Hospital Breaks Ground for New Emergency Room

Monday, Nov. 24: NYU Downtown Hospital broke ground for the new Lehman Brothers Emergency Center, a facility that will ultimately be twice the size of the current emergency room, Lower Manhattan's only such medical facility.

Located on Gold Street between Spruce and Beekman, the new center will feature "upgraded patient care areas" and enhance the hospital's ability to handle a wider variety of emergency care on a larger scale.

According to NYU Downtown, the hospital is the first responder to approximately 30,000 medical emergencies in Lower Manhattan each year.

Zagat Downtown for the Holidays campaign

Monday, Nov. 24: The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, Empire State Development Corporation, and New York City Economic Development Corporation have launched "Downtown for the Holidays," a program to encourage residents, workers, and visitors to continue to patronize Lower Manhattan shops and restaurants during the holiday season. As part of the effort, the agencies have joined with Zagat Survey to distribute more than 300,000 free guides with information on downtown restaurants, hotels, shopping, and other resources and attractions.

"The special Downtown New York Zagat guide benefits both businesses and downtown employees," said Zagat Survey CEO Tim Zagat in a statement. "The comprehensive guide highlights the fantastic offerings of downtown business while providing consumers with a relevant and easy way to find establishments that appeal to them."

Officials Announce Improvements to NYSE Area

Wednesday, Nov. 26: City, state, and NYSE officials announced a program of streetscape improvements designed to beautify the area around the exchange and improve pedestrian movement. For full coverage, click here.

Temporary PATH Station Opens at WTC

Sunday, Nov. 23: The temporary PATH station at the World Trade Center opened, reestablishing a direct rail link between downtown and New Jersey for the first time since 9/11. Opening the same day was the new pedestrian bridge over West Street at Vesey Street. For complete coverage, click here.

Alliance Begins Free Downtown Bus Service

Thursday, Nov. 20: The Alliance for Downtown New York inaugurated the long-planned Downtown Connection bus service. The complimentary service transports residents, workers, and visitors between South Street Seaport and Battery Park City in a U-shaped route that runs along Battery Park. For coverage, click here.