Transportation: A Crucial Component in Shaping the Future of Lower Manhattan

Transportation is a key determinant in a region’s economic health and potential for future growth and development. As planners, architects, government officials, and citizens’ groups delve into the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan following the attacks of September 11, it has become clear that the transportation network is the first crucial piece that must be put in place to shape the region and provide an anchor for development. Not only does the transportation network need to be constructed underneath whatever future development occurs on the World Trade Center site, but the framework for the improved transportation network must be in place in order to keep the businesses in Lower Manhattan from leaving and help drive future development. Currently, $4.55 billion of the $21 billion federal recovery package has been allocated specifically for developing the transportation network serving Lower Manhattan. With the myriad of transportation plans and projects being proposed, a strategic analysis is necessary in order to assure that both economically and socially responsible decisions are made. This paper, begins to analyze the major transportation proposals for the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan.