JANUARY 2006

 

 

 

Experts Detail Study of WTC Collapse

There is no engineering solution, short of building a bunker, for constructing a tower that can withstand the impact of a Boeing 767 and 10,000 gallons of burning jet fuel. But there are life saving lessons for architects and engineers to be learned from the Sept. 11 collapse of the World Trade Center towers.
Posted January 19

 
Port Authority And City At Odds Over WTC Street
Daniel Libeskind’s master plan for the World Trade Center site calls for the reintegration of Lower Manhattan streets— Cortlandt, Fulton and Greenwich—that were cut off when the trade center was built. But there is a difference of opinion between the city and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey about whether Cortlandt should remain a street in the truest sense of the word
Posted January 6
 
 
Aquarium Proposed to Show River Fish by Bike-Walkway
Rendering by architectural firm of Weisz + Yoes shows concept for City Fish, a 40,000 gallon aquarium filled with many of the 56 identified species of acquatic life in the Hudson. On the roof, soil will hold rainfall, reducing storm water run-off. Rendering: Weisz + Yoes Studio
Rendering: Weisz + Yoes Studio
Cathy Drew and her River Project are like fish out of water. With Tribeca's Pier 26, the marine science facility's former home, now being prepared for demolition, there is no place to display the tom cods, blue crabs, pipe fish and other local aquatic life that are the educational centerpieces of her program. That could change if Drew achieves her dream-an outdoor aquarium between the bikeway and walkway just north of Stuyvesant High School.
Posted January 1
 
 
EPA Testing to Begin Despite Panel Critics
In 2002 and 2003, thousands of apartments were tested and/or cleaned, including this one on Warren St. Photo: Carl Glassman
Photo: Carl Glassman
The methods and scope of an Environmental Protection Agency plan to test Downtown apartments for remaining World Trade Center contaminants was widely denounced last month by the agency's own expert panel, elected officials and environmental activists.
Posted January 1
 
 
BPC's 'Father' Calls for More River Landfill
Charles Urstadt, at the north end of Battery Park City, wants to extend the development. Photo: Carl Glassman
Photo: Carl Glassman
When Charles Urstadt casts his eyes upon the waters immediately north of Battery Park City he sees…more Battery Park City. He sees parks, schools, museums and housing, all the way to Canal Street. "It's just water, and it's empty," he said. "All of this water could be filled in. There's 50 acres."
Posted January 1
 
Ferry Terminal Arriving Late And Costing Millions More
Rendering shows Battery Park City's future five-slip ferry terminal, to have a heated waiting area, restrooms and a food kiosk. It is expected to be completed by next January. Rendering: Port Authority of NY & NJ
Rendering: Port Authority of NY & NJ
Construction of a new ferry terminal at the World Financial Center is scheduled to be completed in January 2007, six months later than previously expected, and will cost an additional $13.5 million, the Port Authority said.
Posted Posted January 1
 
 
Culture's Place at Ground Zero Examined
Does it matter if there are no cultural institutions at Ground Zero?
Posted January 1
 
Building Sale Signals Store's Demise
Steven Kleinfled, owner of Craig's Shoes, peers out the door of the 56-year-old Tribeca store that is soon to close. Photo: Carl Glassman
Photo: Carl Glassman
Times catch up to a 56-year-old Tribeca shoe store where time had once stood still.
Posted January 1
 
Hearts Growing Fonder for Fish Market
Former fish market stalls, like Fair Fish on Front Street, are gated. Photo: Carl Glassman
Photo: Carl Glassman
The smell is, mostly, gone, but in the wake of the Fulton Fish Market's move, many say a feeling of loss pervades the area.
Posted January 1
 
 
Mormon Prophet Returns to the Seaport
Joseph Smith statue is put in place by Utahans who who came to New York for the installation. Photo: Carl Glassman
Photo: Carl Glassman
As controversial religious figures go, Joseph Smith cuts a striking one. A bronze likeness of the founder of Mormonism was installed last month near Wall Street at Old Slip Park, and his wavy hair, face-framing curls, high cheekbones and rugged bearing did not go unnoticed by the faithful.
Posted January 1
 
Colonial-Era Wall Turns Up in Battery
Photo: Allan Tannenbaum
Despite a delay to the South Ferry subway project, (almost) everyone is thrilled by an historic find.
Posted January 1
 
 
Museum Leases Grand Wall Street Space
Photo: Carl Glassman
The majestic hall in the former headquarters of the Bank of New York will be the new home of the Museum of American Finance.
Posted January 1
 
 
New Photo Gallery Pioneers Front Street
Photo: Carl Glassman

"This neighborhood is just kind of an obscure backwater," Jim Wintner said of the South Street Seaport. "It's not going to be that anymore." Certainly not if Wintner and Richard Sack are the prescient pioneers that they believe themselves to be. Last month the two men opened PhotoGraphic Gallery at 252 front St, just down the block from Sciame Development's Historic Front Street project, which includes 95 new apartments and 13 new retail spaces.
Posted January 3

 
IN BRIEF
CB1 Weighs in on Governors Island
Pre-School Fair
Call For Photo Entries
Hamill on Downtown
One-Day Book Sale
Small Business Forum
Forum on 9/11 Report
Connie and Ruthie

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Noise Code Caves In To Real Estate Interest
Take Down City Hall Park Fence
'Downtown Primeval' Was Yet Another Surprise
Where Did Tribeca Get Its Name?
'Ticker' On Franklin Enjoyed Mint From Finn Square Garden