August 23rd - August 27th, 2010

Governor’s Island Attendance Soars

August 23 – A record number of people – 275,000 – have visited Governor’s Island so far this year, according to City Hall. The Daily News reports that figure beat’s last summers attendance total and there’s still eight weeks to go in the season. Mayor Bloomberg said the Island is now offering bike rentals and that helped boost attendance as well as several large-scale concerts and food events. 

The Bank of America Eyes 1 WTC

August 24 – The bank reportedly has requests for proposals out with landlords in Lower Manhattan, according to The New York Post, which says that could mean BofA is considering the tower at Ground Zero. The paper says the bank is looking for 1 million square feet and wants a LEED-certified building, which 1 WTC will be.

Brooklyn Bridge Rehab Begins

August 24 – The Manhattan-bound lanes of the bridge were closed Monday evening, signaling the start of the four year, $508 million dollar project. The Daily News reports drivers must now head to the Manhattan Bridge or the Battery Tunnel to get into Manhattan. The bridge needs to be repainted, sections of rotting pavement will be replaced and two ramps will be widened to two lanes, according to the City DOT.

One Rector Park Reopens for Sales

August 24 – Prices are now 20 to 30 percent lower than when the building first opened in 2008, according to The Battery Park City Broadsheet Daily. The report says 40 units in the building are in contract, just two weeks after the sales office reopened; the office had closed in mid 2009.

Dismal Numbers for Construction Industry

August 25 – Construction starts in the City hit a two-year low in the second quarter, according to a report from the New York Building Congress (NYBC). Crain’s reports the total value of projects was down 43% from the same quarter in 2009. Building Congress president Richard Anderson said, “Construction has dropped in sectors that previously were fairly strong, including institutional and government work.”

Port Authority and Silverstein Reach Agreement

August 26 – Under the deal, according to The New York Times, the PA would provide Silverstein with up to $1.6 billion in public financing and subsidies, so Towers 2 and 3 could be built. The agreement also says if Silverstein is able to raise $300 million, the Port along with the City and State, would provide $600 million in subsidies.

9-11 Responders Settlement Extended

August 26 – The deadline to accept the $625 million landmark settlement has been extended two months to November 8. The New York Post says 50% of the 10,000 plaintiffs have approved it; only a few have voted no.