Approximately 800 residents who live in various neighborhoods on both the east and west sides of Lower Manhattan below Canal St. were polled by Blum and Weprin Associates May 4 through 6.

"We felt it was good to be a collective voice and have a say in the rebuilding process," says Richard Kennedy, a senior director at Cushman & Wakefield, who is also a Friends of Community Board #1 member, regarding the formation of Downtown Rebounds. "It's very telling that a neighborhood can come together after the worst disaster and become a vibrant community again."

The need for more shopping options in the area is not surprising considering that approximately half of residents in Battery Park City and Tribeca travel outside of their neighborhood to do daily shopping that was available prior to September 11. In the meantime however, with the understanding that the reconstruction of the area will take time, 75% of residents favored the creation of an open air market on the east side of the World Trade Center site until the rebuilding of the site is completed.