New Agency to Oversee Downtown Redevelopment

NEW YORK CITY-In what a number of city officials have called an 11th-hour power grab backed by the Republican party, Governor George Pataki and Mayor Rudy Giuliani on Friday jointly announced the formation of the Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Corporation, a jointly run city-state oversight committee that will function as a separate development arm of the Empire State Development Corporation.

What’s irking many Democrats is the corporation’s governing board, which will be composed of six members appointed by the Governor and only three mayoral appointees. In addition, Giuliani is reportedly considering a role on the board, possibly even serving as chairman. Mayoral candidates Michael Bloomberg and Mark Green also say they oppose the plan. Green reportedly wants an even split between city and state board appointments. Bloomberg hasn’t yet elaborated on his stance.

The often-scrapping Mayor and Governor announced the powerful new agency Friday during a press conference held at Pataki’s Manhattan headquarters. “We continue to help families cope with the deaths of their loved ones and move forward with our plans for the comeback of Lower Manhattan,” Pataki said. “This corporation will bring leaders from all walks of life together to ensure we have broad consensus on the most appropriate plans for lower Manhattan, from the creation of the proper memorial to the rebuilding of vital office space.”