NEW YORK - Police and the World Trade Center site's owner sketched out a security agreement for the area Thursday, ending a turf war over how to best protect ground zero against terrorism.
The New York Police Department and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey agreed to devise a strategy to police streets, private office towers and public facilities, including the Sept. 11 memorial.
Police and Port Authority officials were still working out the details. “The next step will be to work closely with NYPD to develop a comprehensive security plan for the site,” said Chris Ward, executive director of the Port Authority, which owns the site.
Under the agreement, a special NYPD unit of 600 officers will patrol the lower Manhattan site, manage security operations and oversee screening and vehicle access.
The Port Authority will have primary responsibility for security at the PATH train station and will oversee the installation and maintenance of all security equipment at the World Trade Center.
City officials called the agreement “a milestone” and said it would accelerate the rebuilding effort.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the pact would ensure “seamless security that will keep the World Trade Center site safe and accessible for residents, businesses and the millions of people who will come to visit the World Trade Center memorial.”
The NYPD and Port Authority have disagreed on who should police the area since hijacked jetliners destroyed the World Trade Center. Before Sept. 11, security was largely the Port Authority's responsibility.
“Considering the history of this site and the ongoing threat of terrorism, it only makes sense that the NYPD devote significant resources to protect the World Trade Center,” said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
The department recently proposed taking charge of security at the site, and police have wielded some power over development. The NYPD's concerns about the risk of truck bomb attacks against landmark sites forced the 2005 redesign of the project's signature Freedom Tower after police said the 1,776-foot skyscraper's open lobby and proximity to West Street made it a likely terrorist target.
The building, which had a cornerstone in place that had to be moved, was delayed by three years and redesigned for millions of dollars.
An advisory committee will meet regularly to discuss site security. The group is to include representatives from the city, Port Authority and New York and New Jersey governor' offices.
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Associated Press writers Sara Kugler and Amy Westfeldt contributed to this report.
AP-ES-07-24-08 1821EDT
Police and Port Authority officials were still working out the details. “The next step will be to work closely with NYPD to develop a comprehensive security plan for the site,” said Chris Ward, executive director of the Port Authority, which owns the site.
Under the agreement, a special NYPD unit of 600 officers will patrol the lower Manhattan site, manage security operations and oversee screening and vehicle access.
The Port Authority will have primary responsibility for security at the PATH train station and will oversee the installation and maintenance of all security equipment at the World Trade Center.
City officials called the agreement “a milestone” and said it would accelerate the rebuilding effort.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the pact would ensure “seamless security that will keep the World Trade Center site safe and accessible for residents, businesses and the millions of people who will come to visit the World Trade Center memorial.”
The NYPD and Port Authority have disagreed on who should police the area since hijacked jetliners destroyed the World Trade Center. Before Sept. 11, security was largely the Port Authority's responsibility.
“Considering the history of this site and the ongoing threat of terrorism, it only makes sense that the NYPD devote significant resources to protect the World Trade Center,” said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
The department recently proposed taking charge of security at the site, and police have wielded some power over development. The NYPD's concerns about the risk of truck bomb attacks against landmark sites forced the 2005 redesign of the project's signature Freedom Tower after police said the 1,776-foot skyscraper's open lobby and proximity to West Street made it a likely terrorist target.
The building, which had a cornerstone in place that had to be moved, was delayed by three years and redesigned for millions of dollars.
An advisory committee will meet regularly to discuss site security. The group is to include representatives from the city, Port Authority and New York and New Jersey governor' offices.
---
Associated Press writers Sara Kugler and Amy Westfeldt contributed to this report.
AP-ES-07-24-08 1821EDT
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