How close can we get to ground zero/WTC
 

I will be in NYC in two weeks and want to see ground zero. Does anyone know how close we can get, can we take pics, how far it is from Central Park, and is there anyway we can help while there? Someone mentioned that they thought there was a shop open in the area where you could buy photos and it would benifit the families. Thanks!

I don't mean to sound sarcastic, but the best way you can help is NOT to go down to the WTC area.

You can walk down Broadway which is the closest that you can get. It's about 2 blocks east of the World Trade Center. It is very crowded down there and while the police have been tolerant of the crowds, it's not wise to spend a lot of time gawking. The mayor has requested that people not take pictures but there were many people doing so. <BR> <BR>The World Trade Center was in the downtown area of Manhattan, Central Park is in the middle. They are approximately 5-6 miles apart. <BR> <BR>I believe the best way for you to help is coming to NYC and spending money to help stimulate the economy. I don't believe that you can actually help the effort as the police, fireman, Red Cross, etc. have it well under control.

The shop is called Here is New York and it is located in SoHo on the groung floor of 116 Prince Street. It is closing on Sunday, October 28th. You can go to their website at www.hereisnewyork.org

Have to agree with Howard on this one. As someone who was there on 9/11, please understand that the site of the WTC is NOT a tourist attraction -- it's a graveyard and the site of a criminal investigation. It's one thing to want to "bear witness" to one of the most horrific acts of terrorism this world has known, but please don't be disrespectful by taking pictures. JMHO

Hi: <BR>Please, please, please stay away from Ground Zero. It is heartbreaking and you will not be allowed anywhere near it. As lisa said it is a GRAVE SITE and a crime scene. I was also there that day and am required to be there every day for work. I am stopped every 50 feet and asked for ID and my purpose for being there. You will probably not get anywhere near it. The best way you can help is to donate money to the charity of your choice...American Red Cross, United Way or the numerous others that are specifically set up for the WTC victims and their families. <BR>Stay in NYC and have a great time. There is so much more do and see. Shop, eat, visit the tourist attractions. Have fun and Welcome to NYC!

Ground Zero is NOT a tourist attraction!The last thing they need is more people going to see it and take pictures. Go to NYC visit Central Park, Broadway, the Empire State bldg etc. Stay away from the WTC. The police & rescue have enough on their hands. Like previous postings...it's a cemetary and a war zone.

Yes, ground zero is not a tourist attraction, BUT...since everybody else is going down there why shouldn't you if you really want to??? <BR> <BR>Like Philip said, your best best is to walk down Broadway, and to get to the area a good bet is to take a subway marked A,C,J,M,Z,2,3,4 or 5 downtown to the Fulton Street stop. <BR> <BR>Just remember that you'll still be a substantial distance away, and I suppose since you're doing the tourist thing, bring binos. But there'll be no lecture from me - you know the score.

Thank you al for your response and trusting that I have half a brain and am aware of the grim situation at ground zero. I'm traveling all the way from Kansas for suport not to cause more havic. Thanks again!

I agree that ground zero is not a tourist site BUT lower manhattan can use all the business they can get. There are many shops, cafes and restaurants in that area, many in tribeca area (just north of WTC) that need your business. If your curiosity brings you down there, please stop in a store or restaurant. They'll be glad to see you. From central park south, its probably around 6-7 miles to ground zero. I live in the village area, I've been in the financial district for business purposes but haven't actually wondered over to see the site. I do know many people who have taken a walk down there to see it. The whole things has been so surreal for some of us who live here that sometimes it's necessary to take a look for ourself.

When you go, please post a trip report. <BR> <BR>I find it very ironic that in a few years, the site will be a very strong tourist attraction, almost a pilgrimage, but now that it is fresh and bodies are still present, we (myself included) try to discourage others from 'gawking'. <BR> <BR>The photo ban was for accidental publication of body parts. <BR> <BR>The Times had an article that said something like you have to be somebody to get access to Ground Zero. Clearly, right or wrong, it IS a place to go, a place to say you have seen and place to say you have helped. <BR> <BR>I volunteered at/around the morgue (30th & 1st) and found myself deeply moved. History was in front of my eyes. I was also moved to see the posters of missing people on phone booths, building walls, etc.. I needed to see and do 'something' - And I as a better person for doing 'it'. <BR> <BR>I was most surprised by the reaction of others, family, friends and some strangers, who thanked me; thought I was very special for helping; and wanted to know as much as they could about my 'experience' - The craving for a kind-of-bizzare knowledge of the tragedy reinforces the scale of the event. <BR> <BR>If you have the desire to see GZ, I totally understand. But don't just make that your only destination. There are many other signs (literally and figuratively) that will also move you. Walk. Walk. And Walk more. <BR> <BR>Your blood will be 100% red, white and blue in two weeks.

As someone who went into the World Trade Center almost daily, I had to go down and see it for myself. It was like an old friend; I could always see it from my living room window. <BR> <BR>I figure since the government has been giving tours of the area, (Chelsea Clinton, Larry King, etc.) I felt that I, having a much closer relationship to it, should pay my respects. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't criticize anyone who goes down there to see it. It's natural to be curious and you really can't get a comprehension of it all unless you experience it first hand.

By no means will this be the only thing we will do. I just feel compelled to do something. More than I can living here in middle America. What can I do here? Give blood, donate money, cry and feel bad...I want to do more! I plan on spending in the shops, hotels and restaurants. And it started with our purchase of airline tics. Our short visit to the site will be just that...short. And then it's off to spend, spend, spend. Is the Statue of Liberty open?

SOL is not open. <BR> <BR>Check, though, with www.nps.gov\stli for updates. The two ferry docks are unavailable: Liberty State Park in Jersey is used as the Family Relief Center; Castle Clinton in NY is too near the work site. <BR> <BR>Some people have called for running ferries from other points. I am not sure how close or serious this is coming to fruition

Unless you have your heart set on climbing the steps inside the Statue, as an alternative consider the Circle Line 3-hour boat tour around Manhattan Island. According to their website (www.circleline.com) they're operating on a limited schedule, which is: <BR> <BR>M-F - 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. <BR>S-S - 10:00 a.m., 12 noon, 2:30 p.m. <BR> <BR>If you can swing it it's well worth it.

Instead of going down to Ground zero why not take a ferry trip through the river and by the site. <BR>You do not want to be in the way and it is alittle morbid to want to take pictures of the site. There are plenty on the internet if you must see. <BR>I live across the river and it wasnt too easy to see the smoke and mangaled buildings but it is looking better these days. Although sometimes the smell turns your stomach. <BR>Just be respectful <BR> <BR>The shop was on this web site at 116 Prince St. 1 1/2 blocks east of West broadway. I was trying to get there this weekend but didnt have time. <BR> <BR>Oh if no one else answered Central Park is on the other side of Town. <BR> <BR>Have a great time, I am sure you will especially if it is your first trip. <BR>

Oops, and my point is: <BR> <BR>The Circle Line takes you REAL close to the Statue.

The best place to see the wreckage is on Duane and Chamber's street. First of all, it's not as crowded as Broadway. You get a clear and unobstructed view. And finally, the authorities don't "move you along" so you can actually spend a few moments in contemplation (which I hope is one's point in going down there). For those of you who don't know where Duane Street it, you have to go West on Franklin Street (which is a subway stop on the 1/9 line) and then South. Ask someone, because that part of town is a bit complicated, and made doubly so by the street closings, etc.

I'm sorry, but I think it sounds very wrong to be be making a tourist attraction out of something that has caused so many people such personal saddness. My suggestion would be to stay away, then go back some day when they have rebuilt and maybe built a memorial or something.

I'm going to NY from the UK tomorrow and think the people who want to go see this are a bit sick....stay away or help support the charities with your money not your eyes.

Claire, <BR> <BR>I wouldn't go so far as to say people that want to see this are sick. This is so unbelievable for people to absorb that sometimes this can give some closure to see it first hand. It is human nature for this natural curiosity. People grieve in different ways and this may be a way of understanding the true impact.

Does anyone think that the existance of animals in zoos or aquariums is cruel? <BR> <BR>I used to, until I realized how much value they have to the kids and adults that can see and learn first hand about the habitat and plight of these animals. <BR> <BR>Many conservation parks promote awareness of all animals. <BR> <BR>I think in a very similar way, being affected by the 911 events will change ones outlook, like the zoo example. Seeing, smelling and just imagining those huge, tall towers were destroyed, filled with non-military innocent people will change most people. Forever. <BR> <BR>If you are nearby, don't lose the chance to be "changed" It will carry you through your living years. <BR> <BR>

Surely, Simone you can't be serious with your posting that compares the experience of visiting Ground Zero with viewing animals at a zoo!

Wanting to visit GZ doesn't make someone morally depraved or anything like that. Nor does taking a picture of the site. We're all different, and just because a few people think it's "sick" doesn't mean it necessarily is. I'd be willing to bet that alot of the posters who keep saying "don't go" have been there themselves, and isn't there a bit of hypocrisy in that?

Fraunces Tavern museum/restaurant (from revolutionary war period), just reopened today after a recent renovation. It is located a few blocks south of ground zero. For more info, check out http://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/

Howard, <BR>No. I don't think they compare in scope, that is for sure. <BR> <BR>I may have done a poor job trying to make my point. Sorry about that. <BR> <BR>I'll make this broad generalization: The closer you are to the disaster, the more if affects you. The further away, the less it affects you. I believe the people who worked in the towers; lived in NYC/Jersey and saw them each day; the frequent and infrequent visitor to NYC all are MORE affected than someone who has never been to NYC or knows someone injured/killed. Thus - my point - was that if they were to actually see GZ, they would be moved. <BR> <BR>[I do not mean to say that you can not be affected if you never been to NYC, but I do know how I feel living in NJ] <BR> <BR>The zoo example is what came to my mind thinking and reading the posts. Of course it is not the same, but I do believe that if a child sees a whale in Sea World, or a seal at the Bronx Zoo, or birds from the rain forest, they will be less likely to want hunt or denude the planet. <BR>

Hi: <BR>Simone is right about the sights sounds and smells. They will reamin with me forever...however because I am at Ground Zero does not mean I enjoy being there or am a tourist. I go to work there everyday and it has not gotten any easier believe me! <BR>If you really feel the need to see it then please go and say a prayer. <BR>However I still feel the best way to help is to donate money and then go enjoy the rest that NYC has to offer.

I hope you will take your own counsel about whether or not to go down there. I did go down there myself, to volunteer at a church-run respite center; I didn't look much, I was mostly inside, but it had a very very profound effect on me--a resumption of the loss of sleep, actually. It's a powerful experience. <BR> <BR> Whether you go or not, I hope you WILL <BR>go to "Here is New York," the photo exhibition at 116 Prince Street in Soho, where 9/11-related photos from major photojournalists and anybody else who cared to contribute them are on display and for sale for $25, to benefit children of victims. <BR> <BR> A visit to the show is a reverential experience in itself. There are hundred of photos and a serious but nice shrine- <BR>like atmosphere. I think it has become the place of thoughtful pilgrimage, alongside the firehouses. <BR> <BR> I think it has a website called "Here is New York," where you could find out if it's still on when you come. Or just go by if you go to Soho. <BR> <BR> And--if you do go downtown to the site--please stay long enough to patronize a restaurant in Lower Manhattan someplace (Chinatown would be good), that is really needed.

website referred to in previous post is www.hereisnewyork.org

Dear DG, <BR> <BR>First of all I think that you coming to NYC is great! Welcome. IMHO I think you should to to GZ. You will not get the full effect of bieng in the center of it like the dignitaries do. But you will find something about it that you cannot get from seeing it on TV or reading about it. Binoculars will be helpful when you go,as you will always be two blocks away from it. Please say a prayer for all those lost and their surviving family members. <BR>I found most visitors to be very respectful. There was a choir singing and quoting scriptures when I was there 2 Sundays ago and lots of people praying. I found it a unique experience. It was surreal to see Battery Park closed to all except the National Guard. A good way to see the SOL is on the Staten Island Ferry (It's free) It passes right next to the statue. When we passed by, there was a big Coast Guard vessel guarding it. The round trip ferry ride takes about 1 hour. <BR>GZ is in a very historic part of NYC. Take time to stroll the area, it's quite amazing, the Stock Exchange, South Steet Seaport, Customs House, Federal Courthouse Buildings, Woolworth building,Brooklyn Bridge. It just goes on and on. Please report on your trip when you get back. <BR>