World Trade Center fence to be removed after 13 years

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced this week that the fence surrounding the World Trade Center site for the past 13 years will finally be removed as New York City prepares for the National September 11 Museum to open in May 2014.

The 16-acre site, via a long blue fence, has been cut off from the rest of downtown during the rebuilding process. The September 11 Memorial opened two years ago, but access has been limited to ticketed visitors who pass through the fence on a narrow walkway. When the west and south sections of the fence is dismantled this year, people will be able to go back and forth freely between the memorial and parts of downtown.

It will also make hotels that are popular for corporate meetings, such as the W Downtown, much easier to access.

7 Years Strong, In Memory Of

Beams of Hope

Today officially marks the placement of the first beam for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. While not slated to be completed until 9/11/2011, the beam is giving New Yorker’s hopes of rebuilding the past. At 7,700 pounds, moving the beams to their current location has been no easy task. Before the beams make their way to the Big Apple, they are sent around the country where tens of thousands of people can sign it and leave messages of hope. The first set of signed beams will be displayed at the upcoming Jets verses Giants home opener at Giants stadium later this week.