Top Security Advisor Says WTC Memorial Vulnerable To Terrorism
The state's senior counter-terrorism adviser is reportedly raising concerns about the design for the World Trade Center memorial.
A report in Friday’s New York Times says the paper has obtained a confidential letter James Kallstrom sent to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation pointing to possible vulnerabilities in the memorial plan, which is called “Reflecting Absence.”
The letter specifically questions the safety of the ramps leading to the underground area, and the two open voids in the design, which Kallstrom reportedly says could be vulnerable to a bomb or chemical release.
In his letter, Kallstrom suggested that the number of people on the ramps be kept as low as possible, and that the ramps be repartitioned to make evacuation, rescue and recovery easier.
None of the officials involved will comment on the details of the letter, but say security remains a top priority.
“Obviously that letter was not supposed to be made public. We work closely with Jim on all issues surrounding the 16-acre site, and we will continue to do that, but I am not making any comment now on that letter," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Friday.
The LMDC and Governor George Pataki's office say the letter is part of the ongoing assessments of the memorial. Both say they are working with security officials, and don't expect any major changes to the design or the prep work that is already underway.
Some 9/11 victims have protested the current memorial design, saying they want it moved above ground for security issues. They wanted a judge to stop preliminary work, but were refused.
NY1 News.
Apr 23, 2006.
New York USA
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=8&aid=58812
A report in Friday’s New York Times says the paper has obtained a confidential letter James Kallstrom sent to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation pointing to possible vulnerabilities in the memorial plan, which is called “Reflecting Absence.”
The letter specifically questions the safety of the ramps leading to the underground area, and the two open voids in the design, which Kallstrom reportedly says could be vulnerable to a bomb or chemical release.
In his letter, Kallstrom suggested that the number of people on the ramps be kept as low as possible, and that the ramps be repartitioned to make evacuation, rescue and recovery easier.
None of the officials involved will comment on the details of the letter, but say security remains a top priority.
“Obviously that letter was not supposed to be made public. We work closely with Jim on all issues surrounding the 16-acre site, and we will continue to do that, but I am not making any comment now on that letter," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Friday.
The LMDC and Governor George Pataki's office say the letter is part of the ongoing assessments of the memorial. Both say they are working with security officials, and don't expect any major changes to the design or the prep work that is already underway.
Some 9/11 victims have protested the current memorial design, saying they want it moved above ground for security issues. They wanted a judge to stop preliminary work, but were refused.
NY1 News.
Apr 23, 2006.
New York USA
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=8&aid=58812
posted by Raul at
9:28 AM
