Controversy Surrounding the Reconstruction of the World Trade Center

The sprawling mess of flesh and steel recombinant that was created on the morning of September 11, 2001 left thousands dead.   The scene of Ground Zero would go on to haunt survivors and the general public alike.   The terrorist attacks which were wrought that day destroyed a landmark, a large and populated piece of a city, and most tragically the lives of thousands of innocent people.   Yet with death there is also rebirth, and this example is no different.   However, over the past years we have witnessed the controversy and chaos which has surrounded the precarious nature of how and what to rebuild over the incredibly sacred land that now makes up Ground Zero.

      Attempting to cover every aspect of the rebuild would require much more in-depth and analysis than a small essay such as this, yet one of the most contended aspects of the rebuild has been the issue of how to memorialize those lost in the attacks.   While the construction of the new tower is a very important issue to the city, the memorial itself seems to be much visceral to the public, especially to those who experience direct loss.   This of course brings up the highly debatable question of what a memorial should strive to be.   Should it serve to remind us of a greater cause or ideal, or should it simply be there to remind us of the sacrifice and heroism that took place?   Who should have the final say, the people or the politicians?   This paper will explore these issues, and tell the story of how the common man took on the greater political establishment in order to change the way history would be remembered.

      This story begins with a group known as the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC).   This organization, founded by Governor George Pataki, was formed after the September 11th attacks with the purpose of planning how to rebuild the area of lower Manhattan.   This joint city-state corporation eventually gave birth to what would grow to be considered the most controversial aspect of... [continues]

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