NYT event listing for Children's Museum, Nov 2003

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

a group chaired by David Rockefeller from the 1950’s through the mid-1970’s, to the Master Litiks regional transportation strategy articulated by Governor Pataki, in the 199O’s. Almost every large-scale study of development issues in New York City and the greater metropolitan region has cited Lower Manhattan's transportation issues as important to address.

These fifty years of studies”' have drawn the same conclusion: for Lower Manhattan to remain a world-class, international business center, it must provide for more efficient movement of people — particularly from their homes to work. Woven through the long literature regarding Lower Manhattan's transportation system are several remarkably consistent themes that can assist in the development of post September 11th strategies. The continuing importance of these themes has been verified by numerous recent studies.’ These themes include:

• The Lower Manhattan subway system must be rationalized and improved, particularly by restructuring the labyrinthine connections a,mong the many lines and creating/increasing key strands of service. • Innovative solutions are required to improve automobile, truck, bus, and pedestrian move­ ment on the streets of Lower Manhattan. • Direct access to the region's airports is vital to the growth of Lower Manhattan as a global business center.*’ * Commuters from Long Island, New Jersey, and the northern suburbs of New York and Connecticut, .must be provided with faster and more convenient transportation to Lower .Manhattan. Many recommendations introduced in the past have been pursued and implemented, including the expansion of the PATH system, changes in pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and planning for the Second Avenue Subway. However, many key projects remain unrealized. As an impor­ tant example, convenient airport and Long Island access remains a much-needed but elusive goal.

Restoring Jobs and Catalyzing Economic Development

Numerous constituencies agree that transportation improvements form the backbone of the revitalization of Lower Manhattan's economy. M.embers of the LMDC Rnancial Services and Professional Firms Advisory Councils, comprised of prominent business leaders A February 2002 LMDC Advisory Council meeting.

who advise the LMDC on the concerns of

Introduction 7

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