http://renewnyc.com/content/pdfs/VSS...gationPlan.pdf
As planning for the timing of the extraction and installation of the resource has progressed, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (“Port Authority”) has identified a potential temporary storage location on the World Trade Center site (“WTC Site”). Accordingly,
the Final Mitigation Plan states that the run of stairs and “connector plate” at the top of the stairs will be stored on or in the immediate vicinity of the WTC Site during the construction period if such storage is feasible. In addition, the Final Mitigation Plan now indicates that
portions of the “connector plate” will be installed on the Memorial Plaza in an area dedicated to survivors in proximity to the “Surviving Tree,” if such installation is feasible. Other revisions also clarify the roles of the Port Authority and Museum in carrying out the mitigation plan.
LMDC shall facilitate and ensure that Port Authority and Museum will cooperate and engage appropriate consultants to: (1) extract intact and move the entire run of stairs and the “connector plate” at the top of the stairs; (2) store these elements on or in the immediate vicinity of the WTC Site until such time as they can be installed in their permanent locations, if such storage is feasible, and if such storage of any of these elements is not feasible, store those elements at Hangar 17; (3) return and install intact the run of stairs and a portion of the “connector plate” in the Museum in a central location between the grand staircase and escalator system leading down to bedrock, in a manner that ensures that visitors will be able to view the staircase as they descend down the grand staircase or escalator; (4) provide for meaningful incorporation of the story and significance of the staircase, and, if feasible, including part of the “connector plate,” within the “primary narrative” of the Museum;
(5) return a portion of the “connector plate” to the at-grade Memorial Plaza along with interpretive signage in an area dedicated to survivors in proximity to the “Surviving Tree,” if feasible; and (6) maintain archival black and white photographic documentation of the staircase and additional photographic and video documentation of the staircase.
LMDC believes that this Final Mitigation Plan will allow for permanent display of the character-defining elements of the Vesey Street Stair Remnant in a setting that will acknowledge and convey the importance of the resource. The Plan ensures that the remnant will form an integral part of the entire Memorial and Museum experience.
LMDC also believes, based on its extensive review and its consultation with the Consulting Parties, that this Final Mitigation Plan constitutes reasonable and practicable steps to minimize or mitigate adverse effects to the degree consistent with the World Trade Center Memorial and Redevelopment Plan, sound engineering practice and relevant construction considerations, and is in keeping with the letter and spirit of the Programmatic Agreement.
Dated: October 31, 2007