Program Elements

Beyond the functional uses that need to be accommodated on the redeveloped site, there are other considerations that should be taken into account.

Public Access
Ease of circulation to and through the site is critically important. Public transportation, bus access and pedestrian connections are essential to unclogging streets, sidewalks, ferries, buses and subways. Buses, taxis and livery cars as well as freight trucks need to load and unload. Connections for subway and rail commuters should be coherent and pleasant. Likewise, the atmosphere for workers, residents, and tourists should be user-friendly and attractive.

Access for Persons With Disabilities
The rebuilt complex must comply with all applicable codes concerning access for persons with disabilities. All public spaces in the complex must be accessible to persons with disabilities.

Design Excellence
The site and adjacent areas will provide a variety of opportunities for great design of world-class structures. Design for the site must create a glorious new icon for the skyline of Lower Manhattan. The site is of critical importance to Lower Manhattan and New York City and should be rebuilt with the finest possible works of architecture.

Security
Security is a critical consideration in the planning and design of structures for the World Trade Center site and adjacent areas. Designs should emphasize personal security for visitors to the memorial, office workers, shoppers, and area residents. Urban design and architectural cues can be used to define the environment as a secure space. Diverse and active uses, clear sight lines, and good lighting can reinforce the sense that the area is under surveillance. At the building level, designs should anticipate and protect against the reality of terrorism to the greatest possible extent. Defensive mechanisms should be designed to protect structural integrity, mechanical systems, and service areas, and provisions should be made to facilitate rapid evacuation in emergencies.

Sustainability
The redevelopment effort provides an opportunity to enhance the environmental quality of Lower Manhattan. New buildings and facilities should be designed to be sustainable, with an emphasis on noise and air quality, energy efficiency, and the use of recycles, renewable materials. Buildings should be sited and designed to allow ample natural light and air to reach pedestrians at street level, particularly in parks and open spaces, and mitigate prevailing winds that historically impacted the World Trade Center site. Importantly, the site should be configured with convenient access to mass transit.

Funding
President George W. Bush and the United States Congress have committed over $20 billion to Lower Manhattan. These funds must be used wisely but boldly to rebuild Lower Manhattan so that it will continue to grow and develop, stimulating private sector investment.

The sources and uses of federal, private and other funds, as well as insurance proceeds, needs to be detailed. Insurance proceeds that the leaseholders expect to receive as a consequence of the September 11 attacks will constitute a significant portion of funds available for rebuilding.

Timing
The site and adjacent areas must be rebuilt with a practical but expeditious schedule that will allow Lower Manhattan to continue to grow. A realistic schedule needs to take into account the time needed for development and construction, and the absorption of the space over market and development cycles. The rebuilding of the site should seek to minimize disruptions to downtown residents, workers and businesses.

The plans for the World Trade Center site and adjacent areas will be developed through an inclusive, open and iterative public process. Guided by the LMDC Public Input Process and Timeline, the LMDC Principles and Revised Blueprint for the Future of Lower Manhattan and the PA program needs, the plans for the site will go through three phases of public review and comment, with a final plan on or about December 2002.