E-mails 2002 M. Gilsenan

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Gilsenan, Michael From: Millner, Natalie Sent: Friday, March 22, 2002 11:10 AM To: Gilsenan, Michael; Gilsenan, Michael Cc: Sturcken, Charles Subject: FW: Closing of St. Paul's

Mike: As we discussed. Thanks. Ms. Lila Meade Limeade!vassar.edu co: [email protected];badurate!us.ibm.com Dear Mr. Meade: Thank you for contacting Ms. Alessandra Sumowicz to register your concern about the closing of St. Paul's Chapel. Ms. Sumowicz had referred your e-mail to this office as the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the City agency that conducted investigations of the Church and its premises soon after the tragedy of 9/11. In early October, visual investigations were made of properties in lower Manhattan. It was determined that the facade of Trinity Church was covered with a (fine dust and the outside area contained some rubble and other debris? ). At that time, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sent the Church an Advisory for a required building facade cleanup — as they did to countless other buildings in the neighborhood. This notification informed the Church that they were responsible for an environmental cleanup of its facade and grounds where indicated. There was no directive that St. Paul's Chapel nor any indoor Church premises be closed. In January, a follow-up inspection by DEP inspectors, observed that no clean-up had taken place and another communication was sent to the Church asking them to abide by the request. As we learned in mid-March, the Church announced that it would close (including St. Paul's Chapel) after Easter Sunday. We had conversations with John Allen, Director of Communications of the Parish of Trinity Church who informed us that the decision to close St. Paul's was entirely their own, due to the Church's determination that there was a need for a thorough house cleaning indoors as well as that required by the City. I hope this will clarify some of the issues for you and once again thank you for wri.ting to us. Very truly yours,,, /s/ JAM ???

From: Sturcken, Charles To: Millner, Natalie Subject: FW: Closing of St. Paul’s Date: Thursday, March 21, 2002 5:34PM can you draft a response to this e-mailer ? ---- Original Message---- From: Sumowicz, Alessandra [mailto:asumowicz8cityhall.nyc.gov ] Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 2:18 PM To: Sturcken, Charles; Chapin, Diana Subject: FW: Closing of St. Paul’s

FYI - what is the status of this, do you know.? •Original Message' 1

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