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New Developments in the News

JANUARY 26, 2009




They're still in the talking phase at Ground Zero and Fordham University

Surprise: Ground Zero redevelopment may be delayed, this time due to fiscal issues, though Chris Ward, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, assures that "No matter what, the sites will not remain fenced off behind barriers indefinitely." Mr. Ward "said he was optimistic the incoming Obama administration, which is emphasizing economic stimulus, will back extending the deadline for the tax-free Liberty Bonds beyond the end of the year." Larry Silverstein plans to use the bonds for three W.T.C. office towers and the Port Authority will use them for the Freedom Tower, which is (not indefinitely) under construction.

The land use committee of Community Board 7 voted down Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus expansion plans. The university wants to add over 2 million square feet of space to its existing campus between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues and 60th and 62nd Streets, directly south of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The citizens' committee hopes a "workable compromise may yet be attained," but voiced its preference that the displacement of residents in the area would be offset by the addition of "education or community facilities and not by…luxury condominiums."