The dregs of WTC recovery funds are still unallocated. The upside is that the dregs are some $850 million. The downside is the LMDC has well over that in requests. If you include such blue-sky/ill-advised proposals such as the West Street Tunnel, or an airport rail link, there is upwards of three times as much being requested as is available.
And apparently there is still a belief that good, old-fashioned commmunity organizing can make difference. Now, I’m not trying to disparage the effort, I’m just a little cynical. If you aren’t, and still have the wherewithal to make an effort, tonight the folks at 9/11 Environmental Action (be wary of that site: it’s a little over-italicized) are sponsoring a forum that seems part conscious-raising, part tactics and planning:
What: “Without a Trace???” A forum on how the remaining LMDC funds could STILL revitalize the communities of Lower Manhattan in an exciting way that addresses the affected communities’ most pressing needs–jobs, affordable housing and unmet environmental health needs!
When: TODAY: Wednesday, March 16 — 6-8:00 PM (Registration begins at 5:30, when a free buffet dinner will be served!)
Where: University Settlement — 184 Eldridge Street
The range of possibilities is quite broad, under the terms of the grant, so don’t be swayed by the downtown real estate cabal. This money could be used to fund educational programs, job-training for displaced workers, housing, and economic or cultural development. If Kevin Rampe got his way, it would, of course, subsidize spec office space. At least one downtown figure, councilmember Alan Gerson, thinks this is a poor response, and is part of the program tonight, presenting his “Renaissance Plan”.
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Someone else gets $850MM. You get a free dinner.
The dregs of WTC recovery funds are still unallocated. The upside is that the dregs are some $850 million. The downside is the LMDC has well over that in requests. If you include such blue-sky/ill-advised proposals such as the West Street Tunnel, or an airport rail link, there is upwards of three times as much being requested as is available.
And apparently there is still a belief that good, old-fashioned commmunity organizing can make difference. Now, I’m not trying to disparage the effort, I’m just a little cynical. If you aren’t, and still have the wherewithal to make an effort, tonight the folks at 9/11 Environmental Action (be wary of that site: it’s a little over-italicized) are sponsoring a forum that seems part conscious-raising, part tactics and planning:The range of possibilities is quite broad, under the terms of the grant, so don’t be swayed by the downtown real estate cabal. This money could be used to fund educational programs, job-training for displaced workers, housing, and economic or cultural development. If Kevin Rampe got his way, it would, of course, subsidize spec office space. At least one downtown figure, councilmember Alan Gerson, thinks this is a poor response, and is part of the program tonight, presenting his “Renaissance Plan”.