How close can we get to ground zero/WTC
Oct 13th, 2001, 05:23 AM
#1
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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!
Oct 13th, 2001, 06:16 AM
#3
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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.
The World Trade Center was in the downtown area of Manhattan, Central Park is in the middle. They are approximately 5-6 miles apart.
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 World Trade Center was in the downtown area of Manhattan, Central Park is in the middle. They are approximately 5-6 miles apart.
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.
Oct 13th, 2001, 07:05 AM
#4
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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
Oct 14th, 2001, 02:08 PM
#5
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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
Oct 14th, 2001, 03:54 PM
#6
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Hi:
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.
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!
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.
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!
Oct 14th, 2001, 06:05 PM
#7
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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.
Oct 15th, 2001, 08:00 AM
#8
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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???
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oct 15th, 2001, 09:07 AM
#10
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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.
Oct 15th, 2001, 09:52 AM
#11
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When you go, please post a trip report.
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'.
The photo ban was for accidental publication of body parts.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Your blood will be 100% red, white and blue in two weeks.
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'.
The photo ban was for accidental publication of body parts.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
Your blood will be 100% red, white and blue in two weeks.
Oct 15th, 2001, 10:07 AM
#12
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oct 15th, 2001, 11:31 AM
#13
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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?
Oct 15th, 2001, 12:04 PM
#14
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SOL is not open.
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.
Some people have called for running ferries from other points. I am not sure how close or serious this is coming to fruition
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.
Some people have called for running ferries from other points. I am not sure how close or serious this is coming to fruition
Oct 15th, 2001, 12:28 PM
#15
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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:
M-F - 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
S-S - 10:00 a.m., 12 noon, 2:30 p.m.
If you can swing it it's well worth it.
M-F - 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
S-S - 10:00 a.m., 12 noon, 2:30 p.m.
If you can swing it it's well worth it.
Oct 15th, 2001, 12:28 PM
#16
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Instead of going down to Ground zero why not take a ferry trip through the river and by the site.
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.
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.
Just be respectful
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.
Oh if no one else answered Central Park is on the other side of Town.
Have a great time, I am sure you will especially if it is your first trip.
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.
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.
Just be respectful
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.
Oh if no one else answered Central Park is on the other side of Town.
Have a great time, I am sure you will especially if it is your first trip.
Oct 15th, 2001, 02:32 PM
#18
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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.
Oct 15th, 2001, 02:40 PM
#19
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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.
