WTC Records Folder 0124 Clippings label, Sept 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

• I Fax:7880074 Oct 4 2001 17:38 P.02 • 10/04/2001 18:24 FAI 212 481 0122 REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NY. (1002/003

RLNY REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK

October 4. 2001 woven Sp(nda PMSI ant

Mr. Robert Harding Deputy Mayor for Economic Development City Hall 1" Floor New York, NY 10007

Dear Bob, before the City and the Carl Weisbrod and I wanted to give you our thoughts for Lower Manhattan. State finalized their package of requested aid and Downtown's recovery is New York's highest economic development priority diverted to other requires a dedicated stream of assistance that cannot be can to help tenants in Lower Manhattan purposes. We must do everything we and attract new tenants to the district. a clear advantage I urge you, therefore, to design the benefit package to provide displaced by the terrorists' to locate in Lower Manhattan. Tenants who were boroughs. attack should be assisted regardless of their new location in the five

Here are my Suggestions: sector representation to First, create a reconstruction authority with private Manhattan. The authority handle the funds and rebuilding efforts for Lower (SEQR/CEQRA, etc.). should have the power to expedite all approvals

Second, eliminate the Commercial Rent Tax south of Canal Street. of Canal Street on purchases Third, waive the sales tax or portion thereof south Empire/Empowerment zone for the of office supplies and retail goods. Create an area. Trade Center Fourth, supply the low cost energy that was available to the World years. to all tenants south of Canal Street for the next five construction activity south Fifth, authorize the use of tax exempt financing for all renovations and tenant work. of Canal Street including new construction,

N.Y. 10022 TEL (212) 532-3100 FAX (212) 779.8714 The Real Esmte Board of New York, Inc. 370 Lann9WI AVOAW, Mn, York. Now York Over 100 YearS or Owl/dine ono Serving

NYC-WTC 000137195