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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2002
PR-032-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR BLOOMBERG ADDRESSES VICTIMS' FAMILIES OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER FROM THE FAMILY VIEWING PLATFORM

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today reminded families who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center tragedy that they can use the special viewing platform adjacent to the World Trade Center site, located on the corner of West Street and Liberty Street. The platform is accessible from the corner of South End Avenue and Liberty in Battery Park City. The Mayor was joined by Christy Ferer, who was recently appointed as the Mayor's Liaison to the Victims' Families, and Commissioner Richard Sheirer of the Office of Emergency Management.

"For those families who continue to cope with the pain resulting from September 11th, the City of New York wants the families to know that we will do our best to assist you," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Although this platform has been utilized by many victims' families, we have learned recently that many families are unaware of its existence. We hope that by highlighting the platform that every family knows that they can come view the site with privacy and dignity."

The Mayor continued, "I am pleased to have Christy Ferer join me today. As my liaison to the various victims' family groups, Christy will be my eyes and ears, and will work closely with me and the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit to ensure that my office remains informed about their concerns and needs. Through her discussions with the various groups, we learned of this need to remind families about the viewing platform and we are here today to not only get the word out about its existence but also to say clearly, we hear you and are committed to responding expeditiously."

"Like thousands of others, my loved one perished here. And like most of their families, I have nothing to bury," said Christy Ferer. "Not only do I share this sacred ground with them but I also share their concerns on many of the issues that now confront us all. My goal is to unify the families as much as possible on all issues so we can speak with one voice, and to make sure that Mayor Bloomberg hears that voice. The Mayor has done a pretty good job of listening so far and his presence here today is a sign of his continuing commitment to address our needs as quickly as possible."

Christy Ferer's husband, Neil Levin, Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was among those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center on September 11th. Ferer served on the Mayor's transition team and currently serves on the advisory council to the Downtown Redevelopment Authority. She is also a board member of the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

"Since the Family Viewing Platform was opened shortly after September 11, OEM and the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit have escorted thousands of family members to Ground Zero," said Commissioner Sheirer. "From the beginning, OEM sought to respect the needs of the families involved by providing them with a haven, a safe place in which to mourn, pray and remember their heroes and loved ones with dignity, respect and privacy. It is my hope that the family viewing platform, which the rescue workers at Ground Zero built in tribute to those who perished, will continue to fulfill this important mission with sensitivity and respect."

In order to ensure that the family viewing platform remains a private space, family members will be required to provide their case number (prefaced by the letter "P" or "T") to security personnel stationed at the platform. As it is very difficult to access the viewing platform from the north, families should attempt to access the area from the south only.

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Jennifer Falk
(212) 788-2958
Frank McCarton/OEM
(646) 756-3028