A Planning Framework to Rebuild Downtown New York

In the days, weeks and months following the unspeakable tragedy of September 11th, the region’s bonds grew stronger than ever as we gathered in groups large and small to mourn, to remember and finally, to rebuild. It quickly became clear that New York’s unique redevelopment opportunity included an overwhelming responsibility to ensure that the rebuilding effort honored the lives of those we lost on September 11.

On October 1, more than 75 civic leaders gathered in an overcrowded conference room to begin a process so daunting we hardly knew where to start. The yet-to-be-named Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York had many different ideas on how to rebuild, but were united behind one goal: To tran­scend business-as-usual in support of an open, inclusive rebuilding process that would stand as a monument to democracy.

Nearly a year later, the release of the Planning Framework to Rebuild Downtown New York marks only a small milestone on the long road to remembering those we’ve lost and rebuilding our beloved city. It is the culmination of months of hard work, but even as this document was awaiting publication, its principles were impacting the rebuilding process.

By working collaboratively with the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and other civic initiatives, Civic Alliance ideals have been reflected in the guiding principles released by those agencies. Two groundbreaking Listening to the City public forums, including a July event attended by nearly 5,000 people, convinced pub­lic officials to change course midstream and heed public demands.

But our work has just begun. This document should be viewed as both an unfinished work and a lasting reference. The specifics of the redevelop­ment are not even broached here, but its broad themes and concepts should remain relevant throughout the rebuilding process. To date, the rebuilding process has not been business-as-usual. By continuing to advocate for the ideals detailed in this document, the Civic Alliance pledges to ensure that it stays that way.