October 3rd - October 7th, 2011

Both Police and Protesters Show Bridge Video

October 4 – The protesters from Occupy Wall Street have routinely posted videos they have taken showing interactions between themselves and the New York Police Department in an effort to win public sympathy. Now the Police Department has released videos of its own, reported the New York Times.  In one video released Sunday morning, a police official warned the protesters they would be charged with disorderly conduct if they crossed the Brooklyn Bridge roadway rather than the pedestrian walkway.  His remarks were met with chants of “Take the bridge.” Seconds later, the protesters began marching across the bridge, accompanied by cheers.  Nearly 700 protesters were later arrested. Most of the protesters arrested on Saturday were issued summonses, mainly for disorderly conduct, and later released, the police said. Eight were still in custody on Sunday afternoon: three on outstanding warrants and five who did not produce identification.

Governor to Reevaluate WTC Greek Church Site

October 4 – The New York Post reports that Governor Cuomo is considering relocating St. Nicholas Church back to a site previously ruled out. Sources report the site of the former 130 Liberty Street building is under review. The site had previously been ruled out as the Vehicle Screen Center, now under construction, would not be able to support the massive church the archdiocese had planned to build on it.

Financial Firms Regroup

October 4 - Overall New York’s commercial leasing market appears strong. The vacancy rate declined to 6% in the third quarter from 6.5%, according to Colliers International report released Tuesday. The downtown vacancy rate declined to 6.9% in the third quarter from 7.8% in 2010. However the Wall Street Journal reports there are question marks regarding large vacancies looming downtown and other financial services firms downsize their office space.

Non-Park Base Assists Protesters

October 5 -- (Reuters) – The base at Zuccotti Park for the Occupy Wall Street protesters has protected the rally because it is not a park, reported Reuters. Because it’s not a park, but a privately owned public plaza its rules are somewhat unclear. "The occupation landing at Liberty Plaza was a happy accident as far as I see it," said civil rights attorney Samuel Cohen, who has been a daily presence at Zuccotti Park, or Liberty Plaza Park as it was once called.   Plaza owner Brookfield Office Properties, a commercial real estate corporation, meanwhile has made it clear the situation is becoming untenable for it. "Because many of the protesters refuse to cooperate by adhering to the rules, the park has not been cleaned. ... As a result, sanitary conditions have risen to an unacceptable level," Brookfield spokeswoman Melissa Coley said in a statement on Monday. The protesters, who have had lawyers on hand to advise them, say their presence in the park just two blocks from Wall Street is lawful under free speech and free assembly rights.

Memorial Now Offers Same-Day Tickets

October 5 – The National September 11 Memorial just announced free same-day visitor passes are now available for Memorial guests. Online reservations or tickets through a tour provider are required for guaranteed entry to the Memorial but there is now a way to get tickets for some visitors. Every morning the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site approximately 400 same-day passes are handed out. Another 300 are split between the NYC and Co. kiosk at City Hall Park and the New York Water Taxi ticket booth at the South Street Seaport.

MTA Expands Service Information

October 5 – Whether you are lost in the subway or lost your wallet on an LIRR train, the MTA can now be reached at one number: 511, reported Newsday. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced its customers can use the three-digits to get information and ask questions involving MTA services, including the Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Bus, subways, MTA Bridges and Tunnels.

NYC Agency to Take Space at 4 WTC

October 7 -- GlobeStreet.com reported, The New York City Human Resources Administration will be consolidating and relocating its executive and administrative staff to 4 World Trade Center in early 2015, city officials confirmed. Reportedly the HRA offices will take 582,000 square feet on floors 22 to 35 in the 2.3-million-square-foot tower.

In 2006, the city agreed to lease the property with Silverstein Properties, but an agency was not yet established for the space.  The agreement calls for rents starting at $56.50 per square foot.  The class A building--to be completed 2013--will also be occupied by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.