New York City electrical contractors are still waiting to hear news about the future of the World Trade Center.
Bob Mann, chairman of E-J Electric Installation Co., Long Island City, N.Y., said so far, no one has drawn up firm construction plans to rebuild.
“We just got a new mayor and everyone has their own ideas of what they would like to do,” Mann said. “There's been a lot of talk.”
Larry Silverstein, a New York developer who led the group who purchased the World Trade Center's 99-year lease, vowed to rebuild just days after the tragedy. The question remains, however, whether or not the Twin Towers will be replicated. Several ideas have been proposed in the two months following Sept. 11, including constructing hollow 110-story towers as a memorial for those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Another idea is to rebuild four 50-story office buildings as opposed to two 110-story towers.
Before the World Trade Center can be rebuilt, however, the site has to be cleared, which could take up to a year. Electrical contractors are contributing to the recovery effort by powering buildings near Ground Zero.
“We're working down at the Financial Center and doing minor repairs to the buildings that are intact and trying to get them back online,” Mann said. “We're trying to keep things moving and clean up the buildings so people can get back in there.”
On Sept. 11, companies lost not only employees, but also valuable office space. Mann said companies are now deciding whether or not to keep their headquarters in the Big Apple.
“The big issue now is whether corporations are going to stay in New York or move out of New York,” Mann said. “That's what everyone is debating at this point.”
What do you think about the rebuilding of the World Trade Center? E-mail Amy Fischbach, Staff Writer, at afischbach@primediabusiness.com with your views on the future of the site. For breaking news on the Sept. 11 tragedy and the war in Afghanistan, visit www.ceenews.com.
About 51,539 people have voted in a poll on RebuildOrNot.com. Below are the results.
What should be done with the World Trade Center site?
Rebuild them exactly as they were.
16%
Rebuild them bigger and better.
49%
Build a low-rise office park.
11%
Create a national park and a museum.
10%
Just a memorial, no business offices.
14%
Do you think they should be rebuilt as a statement against terrorism?
Yes 72%
No 28%
If they were rebuilt, with modern safety precautions, would you work in the towers?
Yes 70%
No 30%