Study Reveals WTC Rebuilding Impacts by Etta Sanders The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) has unveiled plans for a memorial, a new PATH terminal, and the tallest building in the world. Last month, to considerably less fanfare, they issued a 2,000-page report on the impact all of the rebuilding will have on surrounding neighborhoods. Downtown residents will need a generous supply of earplugs and patience. While Lower Manhattan will gain more stores, cultural facilities, upgraded transportation, and a new park, the community faces a decade or more of construction noise, snarled traffic, crowded sidewalks, unknown effects of air quality, and shadows that will leave Washington Market Park and the playgrounds at P.S. 234 with fewer hours of sunlight. “It’s going to be a real struggle,” said Madelyn Wils, chairwoman of Community Board 1 and an LMDC board member. The public will get a chance to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) at hearings to be held at Pace University on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Comments can also be sent to the LMDC via mail or email through March 15. (For more information, got to the LMDC website, www.renewnyc.com.) Public comments will be incorporated into the final report. After revisions, the plan is likely to receive final approval from the LMDC board in April. The statement, a requirement of federal and state law, divides the rebuilding into two stages, with the most intensive construction activity in the coming four years. Beginning this fall and continuing through 2009, building work will include the Freedom Tower, memorial, cultural buildings, a new PATH terminal, the extension of Fulton and Greenwich streets, stores along Church Street, a Fulton Street transit hub and the creation of a West Street promenade, as well as a possible West Street tunnel, an underground bus garage, and the demolition of the Deutsche Bank building. From 2009 through 2015, four more office buildings will be built along Church Street and just south of Liberty Street. “We are going to be in the center of the world’s largest reconstruction and development project ever,” said Robin Forst, deputy chief of staff to council member Alan Gerson, who chairs the Council’s Lower Manhattan Development Committee. “It’s going to be a tremendous challenge for all of us elected officials and community representative to make sure people are protected.” According to the statement, some of the predicted adverse impacts and proposed mitigations include: Traffic Problems: During peak construction years, parts of streets including Broadway and Church, West, Vesey and Liberty streets will be closed. At least 18 locations in 2009, and 25 locations in 2015, will have considerable increases in traffic congestion. Mitigation: Only one lane at a time will be closed. Temporary roadways may be used to circumvent street closings during construction. In 2009, changes in signal timing, reduced street parking and other traffic management techniques could improve traffic flow at many, but not all, locations. Air Quality Problems: Fine particulate matter from diesel fuels and dust is identified as the greatest hazard. Mitigation: Under a law passed by the City Council, construction vehicles will be required to use ultra-low-sulfur fuel. Nonhazardous, biodegradable suppressing agents will be sprayed on dust piles. The government may provide HEPA filters for fresh air inlets at surrounding offices and hotels, and HEPA filter air-conditioning units to nearby residences. Noise Problems: With multiple, simultaneous construction projects, stretching from West Street to east of Broadway, “significant noise impacts during construction will be unavoidable.” Mitigation: Construction will be between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., “as practicable.” Noise barriers will be used when possible. Flagmen will direct trucks backing up to reduce the need for beeping alarms. Shadows Problems: With the tallest buildings shifted to the east the shadows will shift as well, covering areas in shade that were never darkened by the World Trade Center. During December in Washington Market Park, for instance, the shadow of the Freedom Tower will remove “all sun from the park in midday.” Mitigation: There is no way to change the direction of the sun, but according to the report shadows should have no adverse effect on vegetation in area parks. Copies of the environmental impact statement can be seen at Lower Manhattan public libraries and Community Board 1 (212-442-5050). It is also available from the LMDC.