The Intelligence from The Economist From the ground up: New York after 9/11
Sep 10, 2021
Rosemary Ward, The Economist's New York correspondent, discusses the dramatic rebuilding of Lower Manhattan after 9/11, highlighting its transformation into a vibrant, family-friendly hub. Robert Guest, Foreign editor, connects societal instability with women's mistreatment, emphasizing the need for women in peace negotiations to ensure stability. They reflect on Afghanistan's political landscape and the critical link between women's rights and national security, while also exploring the surprising gender dynamics in hummingbird plumage.
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NYC's Post-9/11 Transformation
- Lower Manhattan's resurrection spurred rebuilding across NYC, extending to outer boroughs and the subway.
- This municipal ambition, unseen in generations, revitalized neglected areas like Jamaica, Flushing, and Brooklyn's waterfront.
Staying Put in Lower Manhattan
- Businesses staying in Lower Manhattan after 9/11 was key to its revival, spurred by Mayor Bloomberg's call and financial incentives.
- The federal government provided substantial aid, including liberty bonds, to support the rebuilding effort.
Complexity of Rebuilding
- Rebuilding Lower Manhattan involved complex negotiations between stakeholders, balancing various interests and victim families' feelings.
- Despite disagreements, the first office building was finished remarkably fast in 2006, followed by the memorial and One World Trade Center.