An NYPD proposal to strictly control access to the World Trade Center once it's rebuilt has come under fire from Assembly Speak Sheldon Silver, who warned against what he called overzealous security plans that could create "another war zone."
Sheldon Silver, who represents lower Manhattan, said the security proposal by the Police Department runs counter to the master plan for Ground Zero, which calls for reopening the street grid and creating a vibrant, 24/7 community.
"This is an NYPD wish list, and it's not a security plan," Silver said of the proposal, which would ring the World Trade Center with guard booths and barriers, allowing only specially screened cars and taxis.
Silver said he doesn't want a repeat of the closing of Park Row, alongside Police Headquarters, after 9/11, which he said devastated businesses in Chinatown.
"Based on that experience, I think we have to not create another war zone," he said.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly yesterday insisted the NYPD's intent is not to block access to the World Trade Center.
"We're going to work with the community to keep it open," he said.
