29 July 2002. Add follow-up FOI request for prompt release of Port Authority material.
26 July 2002
See related Request for Proposals issued by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for the initial phase of urban planning and transportation services for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center area:
http://cryptome.org/wtc-rfp.htm
Natsios Young Architects, operators of Cryptome and Cartome, proposal with Michael Sorkin Studio for the consultant work described here:
http://cryptome.org/wtc-proposal.htm
On 29 May 2002, Cryptome filed a freedom of information request with the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PA) and Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) for all documentation on the selection of Beyer Blinder Belle and Parsons Brinckerhoff, Architects and Planners, as consultant for reconstruction, copy below.
PA FOI Administrator Catherine F. Pavelec, (212) 435-7348, wrote on 10 June 2002 to acknowledge the request and stated that processing was underway. ESDC Records Access Officer Antovk Pidejian, (212) 803-3100, wrote on 13 June 2002, to acknowledge the request and stated that it was being considered under FOIA law.
On 13 June 2002 Mr. Pidejian of ESDC wrote that information would be released on July 15. On July 15 2002 Mr. Pidejian wrote that material could be obtained from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation by making arrangements with Irene Chang, Vice President for Legal Affairs at LMDC, (212) 587-9648.
By telephone on 17 July 2002 Ms. Chang said that LMDC held only material associated with the Beyer Blinder Belle proposal and that all other proposals and related material was held by the Port Authority. Cryptome then telephoned the Port Authority FOIA office and was told that there was no specific date when any requested material would be released.
By fax on 24 July 2002 LMDC Paralegal Avalon Simon said that 364 pages of material was ready for pickup at LMDC upon payment of $91.00 copying fee. On 25 July 2002 the following material was picked up at LMDC:
1. Downtown Manhattan RFP Timeline, with list of 15 firms which submitted proposals on May 6, 2002, no date but about May 6, 2002, 5 pages.7. Port Authority and LMDC RFP for Planning and Transportation Consultant, April 24, 2002, 27 pages. See http://cryptome.org/wtc-rfp.htm
Date: Wed, 29 May 2002 10:13:54 -0700
To: InfoLMDC@empire.state.ny.us,rv-etten@panynj.gov
From: John Young <jya@pipeline.com>
Subject: Freedom of Information Request
29 May 2002
Mr. John Whitehead, Chairman
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
Joseph J. Seymour
Executive Director
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Jack G. Sinagra
Chairman
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Robert E. Van Etten
Inspector General
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Subject: Freedom of Information Request
Dear Messrs. Whitehead, Seymour, Sinagra and Van Etten,
This request is made under provisions of federal, state and local law governing freedom of information on governmental activities.
I request information and documents concerning proposals, review criteria, recommendations, and selections concerning the PANYNJ/LMDC solicitation:
Request for Proposals to Provide Expert Professional Consultant Services Related to the Initial Phase of a Comprehensive Urban Planning and Transportation Study of the Downtown Manhattan Area with Special Emphasis on Development of the World Trade Center Site and Adjacent Areas.
Information requested includes but is not limited to:
1. Complete copies of all proposals submitted.
2. Proposal review and evaluation criteria.
3. Criteria and recommendations for short-listing proposers.
4. Records of short-listed proposers interviews.
5. Criteria and methodology for recommending final selection.
6. Criteria and methodology for final selection.
7. Correspondence and records of communications concerning the proposals and selections among advisory and decisionmaking parties -- governmental and public.
8. Documentaion on notification of losers and winner among the proposers.
We will be pleased to pay for costs of this request as provided by law on FOI.
Sincerely,
John Young
251 West 89th Street
New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-873-8700
Fax: 212-787-6102
Downtown Manhattan RFP
Time Line
| Date | May 6 | May 7 | May 8 | May 9 | May 10 | May 11/12 | May 13 | May 14 | May 15 | May 16 | May 17 |
| Day | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Sat/Sun. | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Action |
RFP's Due 4:00pm Criteria Approval |
Review RFP's for Min. Compliance (Check List) - ALL DAY |
Review RFP's / Send copies to LMDC Notify Public Agencies RFP's available for review in PATC Resource Room |
Review RFP's Against Criteria ALL DAY |
Review RFP's Against Criteria | Mothers day Weekend | Establish Short List Call Short List for Interviews Continue Review |
Continue Review PA/LMDC Prepare Interview Questions PUblic Agency Input |
Interviews: Noon - 5:00 pm Public Agencies in Attendance |
Interviews: All Day Public Agencies in Attendance |
Final Selection: In am Finalize MJ for Notice to Proceed by COB |
| Staff | PA Staff | PA Staff | PA Staff | PA/LMDC Staff | PA/LMDC Staff | PA/LMDC Staff | PA/LMDC Staff | PA/LMDC Staff | PA/LMDC Staff | PA/LMDC Staff | |
| Location | PATC | PATC | PATC | PATC/ LMDC |
PATC/ LMDC |
PATC/ LMDC |
PATC/ LMDC |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Principal Submitter(s) | Team Firms/Names |
| Archi-Tectonics | Buro Happold Consulting Engineers Israel Berger & Associates Thomas Balsley Associates |
| Michael Sorkin Studio and Natsios Young Architects Robert Paaswell, Ph.D., P.E. |
Buro Happold, Transportation & Structural Engineers Margie Ruddick, Landscape Architect Consultant Helen Ng, Development and Finance Consultant Jean Gardner, Environmental Consultant & Historian Joye & Associates, Inc., Underground Structures Consultant Urban Centre Developments, Retail/Public Space Consultant |
| Hellmuth, Obata Kassabaum, P.C. | HDR HRA Chan Krieger PHA |
| Kohn Pederson Fox Associates, PC | Ismael Leyva Architects, P.C. Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP Abeles Phillips Preiss & Shapiro, Inc. Hamilton, Rabinovitz & Alschuler, Inc. Frederic Schwartz Architects Arup Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. V.J. Associates M. Paul Friedberg & Partners Landscape Design Domingo Gonzalez Associates Lighting Design Wall Associates Sam Schwartz Company |
| Minoru Yamasaki Associates, Inc. | |
| Alexander Gorlin Architects with Duany Plater-Zybek & Company |
Philip Habib and Associates Kimley-Horn and Associates Ysrael Seinuk Engineers Martha Schwartz, Inc. Fleming-Lee Shue Environmental Goodkin Consulting Corporation |
| HLW International LLP | Curtis + Ginsberg The Sam Schwartz Compapy |
| Downtown Connect (A Joint Venture of Fox & Fowle Architects and STV Incorporated |
DMJM + Harris Gruzen Samton, LLP Allee King Rosen & Fleming, Inc. Harken Architects Eng-Wong, Taub & Associates Greenberg Consultants, Ltd. Hardy Holzmann Pfeiffer Associates Ernst & Young Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects AECOM Consulting Group Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers Thornton Thomasetti Engineers |
| Coop HimmelBlau | |
| Frederick Schwartz Architects | |
| Craig Whitaker Architects | Norman Marcus Robert Silman Associates Imbiano & Quigley Landscape Architects Joseph Leiper NY University - Robert F. Wagner Graduate, School of Public Service, Master of Urban Planning The City Club of New York |
| Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP |
In association with Parsons Brinckerhoff Olin Partnership Urbanomics Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineerings Paco Group Abrams-Cherwony & Associates Philip Habib & Associates, Inc Simco Engineering, P.C. Steven Winters Associates Ysrael A. Seinuk, P.C. V.J. Associates The Environmental Simulation Center, Ltd. (3-D Database) |
| Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects/URS Corporation (A Joint Venture) |
HR&A Systra Bodouva + Associates Jonathan Barnett, Architect & Planner EDAW Sam Schwartz TWG Baranowski Architects Flack & Kurtz Weidlinger Williams Group Retail Analysis |
| Earth Tech | Robert A.M. Stern Architects TAMS Thornton-Tomasetti Engineers Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers Real Estate Solutions VJ Associates Lynn Drobbin & Associates Sam Schwartz Matrix Environmental & Geotechnical Services, Inc. El Taller Colaborativo, P.C. |
| Davis Brody Bond | Office for Metropolitan Architecture [Rem Koolhaas] Arup Croxton [Collaborative, Architects] Hargreaves |
LOWER MANHATTAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Meeting of the Directors
Held at the offices of
Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton
One Liberty Plaza
New York, New York 10006
May 15, 2002
MINUTES
In Attendance
Directors:
John C. Whitehead, Chairman
Roland W. Betts
Paul Crotty
Richard Grasso
Robert M. Harding
Sally Hernandez-Pinero
Thomas S. Johnson
Edward J. Malloy
Billie Tsien
Carl B. Weisbrod
Madelyn Wils
Howard Wilson
Deborah C. Wright
Frank G. Zarb
Staff Attending:
For Lower Manhattan Development Corporation:Louis R. Tomson, President
James Angley, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Alexander Garvin, Vice President for Planning, Design and Development
Matthew Higgins, Vice President for Communications
Eileen McEvoy, Assistant Secretary
Stefan Pryor, Deputy to the Chairman and Secretary
Kevin Rampe, Executive Vice Presiden and General Counsel
Tara Snow, Vice President for Community and Government Relations
In Attendance
For Empire State Development Corporation:Kevin S. Corbett, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating officer
Anita W. Laremont, Senior Vice President - Legal & General CounselFor Chairman Whitehead:
Edward Novotny, Press Consultant
For Office of the Mayor:
Daniel Doctoroff, Deputy Mayor
Also Present:
Ira M. Millstein, Counsel to the Board, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Jason R. Lilien, Esq., Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Judy Rapfogel, Chief of Staff, Speaker Sheldon Silver's Office
Chuck Meara, Port Authority of New York and New JerseyThe Public
The Press
The meeting of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation ("LMDC") was called
to order at 8:10 a.m. was noted for the record that notice to the public
and news media of the time and place of the meeting had been given in compliance
with the New York State Open Meetings Law.
The first order of business was the approval of the Minutes of the April 9, 2002 and the April 24, 2002 Directors' meetings.
The Chairman asked if there were any questions or comments with regard to either set of Minutes and Mr. Crotty stated that it should be noted for the record that he and Mr. O'Neal attempted to participate in the April 24, 2002 Directors' meeting via telephone but because of technological difficulties, they were unable to do so. There being no further comments, upon motion duly made and seconded, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND RATIFICATION OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE APRIL 9, 2002 AND APRIL 24, 2002 MEETINGS OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE LOWER MANHATTAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONRESOLVED, that the Minutes of the meetings of the Corporation held on April 9, 2002 and April 24, 2002, as presented to this meeting, are hereby approved and all I actions taken by the Directors presented at such meetings as set forth in such Minutes, are hereby in all respects: ratified and approved as actions of the Corporation.
* * *
Next, the Chairman welcomed the newly appointe Director, Thomas S. Johnson,
to the LMDC Board. The Chairman noted that Mr. Johnson is the Chairman and
Chi Executive Officer of the Greenpoint Financial Corporation.
He further explained that Mr. Johnson and his wife had lost their 26 year
old son Scott in the World Trade Center attack.
The Chairman then provided an update on the recent activities of the Corporation. He explained that five new working groups of the Board have been established to assist the LMDC Board and staff in addressing the issues that lie ahead.
The Chairman explained that these will be temporary ad hoc working groups focusing on the following areas: site plan, memorial process, below-ground transportation, non-profit projects and financial planning. The groups, he added, would be purely advisory in nature and would not be making any decisions. He then named the members of each group.
Speaking with regard to the recent positive activity in the lower Manhattan area, the Chairman noted that the Tribeca Film Festival was a huge success.
Among other signs of progress noted by the Chairman were the recent return of approximately 4,000 American Express employees to the area and the Downtown New York City River-to-River Festival 2002 which was announced by the Mayor and the Governor earlier in the week. The Chairman then discussed the recent positive development with respect to transportation in lower Manhattan.
The President opened his remarks by noting that site preparation had begun on 7 World Trade Center, which he stated was the result of widespread cooperation among numerous entities.
The President then noted that LMDC's Cooperation Agreement with the Port Authority had been executed, and that the joint planning effort is underway. He then provided an update on responses to the joint RFP that was issued with the Port Authority. The President further explained that additional RFP's have been issued for environmental counsel, land use counsel and the external auditor.
The President then briefly summarized various meetings held with State and/or City officials over the past few weeks.
In response to questions raised by Mr. Crotty regarding his report, the President clarified LMDC's role in regard to the project administration of the RFP issued with the Port Authority.
The Chairman then asked Mr. Zarb to provide a report on a funding request
made to LMDC by Empire State
Development and Economic Development Corporation for Business and Non-Profit
Assistance Programs.
Prior to the discussion of the funding requests Mr. Zarb noted that a budget and a code of conduct have been prepared in draft form, and will be submitted to the Directors for approval.
Mr. Zarb then addressed the funding request and the Chairman read a resolution into the record with regard to the same.
The Chairman asked if there were any question regarding this matter. A discussion was had with regard to the timeframe on the turnaround on the funds from HUD, he amounts of remaining unallocated federal funds and the general workings of the ESD and EDC programs.
Brief explanations of the programs were provided and Mr. Zarb asked Mr. Corbett to provide reports on the progress of these programs at future board meetings. Corbett agreed to do so.
Following the Chairman's recitation of the resolution, and upon motion duly made and seconded, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
APPROVAL OF FUNDS FOR BUSINESS AND NON-PROFIT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMSRESOLVED, that the Corporation hereby approves the expenditure of $350,000,000.00 of the Corporation's fund
for business and non-profit assistance programs administered by the Empire State Development Corporation, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation; and be itRESOLVED, that such funds be used for the WTC Business Recovery Grant Program, the Small Firm Attraction and Retention Grant Program and the Job Creation and RetentIn Grant Program in accordance with criteria set forth for such programs in the Empire State Development Action Plan approved by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or as modified in subsequent Action Plans approved by HUD; and be it
RESOLVED, that the proper officers of the Corporation are hereby authorized to submit to HUD a Partial Action Plan regarding the use of the Corporation's funds for such purposes, and to take such other actions as may be necessary and appropriate to effect the foregoing.
Mr. Betts then reported on the Ad Hoc Committees recommendations regarding modifications to Housing Assistance Program, which is part of the Assistance Plan for Individuals.
Mr. Betts then briefly outlined the modifications and noted that the revised plan has been forwarded to HUD for approval.
The Advisory Council members then reported on their group's most recent activities.
Mr. Harding, reporting for the Commuters and Transportation Advisory Council, began by noting that Mr Garvin had presented relevant parts of the Principles a Blueprint for Action to the Council and that it was very well received.
Mr. Wilson added that specific ideas, e.g. a major transportation terminal in Lower Manhattan, were also discussed at the meeting.
Ms. Wright then reported on the Families Advisory Council meeting noting that LMDC and Port Authority representatives attended to report on and discuss the RFP with the Port Authority.
Ms. Wright further noted that among the suggestions made by the members, was one for a security consultant. She closed by expressing the hope that consultants that are selected out of the RFP process will be able to meet with family members at the next advisory council meeting to assure them that they will have input into the memorial development process.
Mr. Crotty then provided a report on the Professional Services Advisory Council's meeting, noting that this group had met with Mr. Garvin to review the design principles, as well as the proposed viewing wall around the site.
Mr. Crotty explained that the main focus of this group was on transportation issues, particularly street reopenings and street re-pavings, and that they would be reassured by the progress reported at today's meeting.
Next, Mr. Betts explained that the Developers Council also met with Mr. Garvin and that at that meeting a lengthy discussion took place on such issues as the appropriate balance of commercial and residential space, the viewing wall and the configuration of 7 World Trade Center.
Ms. Wils then noted that although the Residen Council did not meet this month, its No. 1 priority was met -- that all residences below Canal Street, between the East River and the Hudson River, will be cleaned by the Environmental Protection Agency and FEMA, with the Department of Environmental Protection playing a large role in the process.
Ms. Wils particularly thanked Deputy Mayor Doctoroff for making this a priority and for successfully seeing it through.
Ms. Snow then provided the relevant information a public hearing scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 200w between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
The President then reported on a consultant contract to be considered by the Directors.
The President noted that the firm of Peterson/Littenberg Architects had been selected to serve as house consultants to LMDC's planning staff. He then provided an overview of the services to be provided by such firm, and the general parameters of the contract to be entered into with the firm.
The Chairman then read a resolution into the record with regard to the same. Following the Chairman's reading of said resolution and upon motion duly made and seconded, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
AUTHORIZATION TO RETAIN IN-HOUSE CONSULTANTSRESOLVED, that the firm of Peterson/Littenberg Arichitects and Urban Design is hereby retained to serve as in-house urban planning consultants to the Corporation, to provide on-going consultation to the Corporation's planning staff in developing, refining, and reviewing proposals for the redevelopment of lower Manhattan; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is here authorized to execute, on behalf of the Corporation, an agreement with such firm for consulting services, provided, however, that expenditures pursuant to such agreement is not exceed $375,000.00 without further approval of the Board; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation is here authorized to take any such other actions as are appropriate and necessary to effect the foregoing.
The President then asked the Directors to authorize him to jointly select, with the Executive Director of the Port Authority, Urban Design and Transportation Consultants. This selection, he noted will also be in consultation with the Staff Selection Committee and the Chairs of certain named working groups.
Mr. Tomson provided a detailed outline of the proposed process that will lead to the selection of the consultants, and then responded to questions from the Directors. The Chairman asked if the Port Authority would be passing a similar resolution. Mr. Tomson stated that he did not believe that the Port Authority would be taking a formal vote but that they would be proceeding in the same manner as LMDC.
In response to a further question by the Chairman, Mr. Tomson noted that the contract will not exceed $3 million and that it would be funded by the Por Authority.
Ms. Tsien then asked if members of the Board, other than the Chairs of the specified groups, will be able to be part of the selection discussion. Mr. Tomson stated that it is his belief that the Chairs of those groups will take the appropriate measures to ensure that other Board Members will have input into the process.
In response to a question by Ms. Hernandez-Pinero, Mr. Tomson noted that the firms to be considered will be interviewed by a six person committee, three of whom will be from LMDC. The President will then receive a report from that committee on their preferred choice. This report will be reviewed by the President, in consultation with the participating Chairs, before a selection is made.
There being no further questions, the Chairm read a resolution into the record regarding the same. Following the Chairman's reading of said resolution and upon motion duly made and seconded, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
AUTHORIZATION TO JOINTLY SELECT URBAN DESIGN AND TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTSRESOLVED, that the President of the Corporation, in consultation with the Staff Selection Committee and the
Chairs of the Site-Plan, Memorial Process and Below-Ground Transportation Working Groups, is hereby authorized to jointly select with the Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey consultants for the initial phase of a comprehensive urban planning and transportation study of downtown Manhattan, with particular emphasis on the World Trade Center site and surrounding areas, in accordance with the Request for Proposals issued for such purpose.* * *
Ms. Rapfogel then noted that Speaker Silver asked her to announce that included in the budget, which is expected to be passed on the evening of May 15th, are three days -- June 9th , 10th and 11th -- that have been designated as sales tax free Rays in Lower Manhattan.
The Chairman then called for a motion to conduct an Executive Session pursuant to paragraph (d) of Subdivision 1 of Section 105 of the New York State Open Meetings Law.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
EXECUTIVE SESSION - Pursuant to Paragraph (d) of Subdivision 1 of Section 105 of the New York State Open Meetings LawRESOLVED, that the Directors conduct an Executive Sessiot to consider matters pertaining to paragraph (d) of Subdivision 1 of Section 105 of the New York State Open Meetings Law.
Before the Directors left the room for Executive Session, questions were taken from the media. This part of the meeting was not recorded for the public record.
All persons were requested to leave the room with the exception of the Directors and members of senior staff. The Executive Session ended at 10:50 a.m. It was noted lor the record that no votes were taken during the Executive Session.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:51 a.m.
Respectfully submitted
Eileen McEvoy
Assistant Secretary
Presentation to The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
By Beyer Blinder Belle in association with Parsons Brinckerhoff 16 May 2002 |
|
ATTENDEES |
|
| BEYER BLINDER BELLE - Management & Urban Design
John H. Beyer, FAIA, AlCP - Partner-in-Charge Christopher Stienon, AIA, AICP, Associate - Project Manager John Belle, FAIA, RIBA, Partner - Urban Design Lead |
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF - Transportation
Foster Nichols,Jr. -Transportation Team Leader Vern Bergelin, AICP - Plan Integration |
AGENDA |
|
| 1. INTRODUCTION
2. MANAGEMENT 3. KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION 4. ISSUES 5. URBAN ECONOMICS 6. URBAN DESIGN APPROACH 7. WRAPUP |
Beyer
Stienon Steinon Beyer and Nichols Bergelin Belle Beyer |
Consultant team selection for Transportation and Urban Planning Study
Introduction & Purpose of the Transportation and Urban Planning Study
The site of the World Trade Center is extremely complex, and a successful redevelopment strategy must balance multiple overlapping challenges of physical planning, transportation planning, finance, economics, land use and design. The first step is to understand the existing conditions and to set program goals by evaluating a broad range of opportunities for the development. Much of this work is extremely technical, including transportation modeling and forecasting, foundation and geo-technical engineering, economic analysis and growth projections, cost estimating and land-use analysis.
In order to provide the planning staff at LMDC and the Port Authority with sufficient detailed information to make informed choices regarding these complex site issues, expert technical services are essential. The team selected through the Request for Proposals process will act like an extension of our planning staff. By joining our creative skills and broad vision for the revitalization of lower Manhattan with the selected team's technical expertise and broad experience, we will quickly be in a position to move forward with the initial phase of our planning work. The work will include evaluating the many options for site development and transportation enhancement, consistent with the proposals included in LMDC's Principles and Blueprint. The initial phase of the work will propose no specific buildings and will not include an architectural component, rather it will provide a planning framework from which great new public places and quality architecture will follow.
Background
The Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Port Authority in cooperation with the MDC was for a comprehensive study of the transportation and urban development issues relating to the World Trade Center site, its immediate surroundings, and more broadly in lower Manhattan. The RFP listed minimum qualifications, such as 10 years experience in urban planning with special emphasis on transportation, at least 3 urban planning/transportation projects with a value of over $100 million each, and demonstrated knowledge of and experience with working in New York. The RFP also listed the basic evaluation criteria, which included the experience of the team members, the quality of work done by the firrns, the experience of the firms, and the team's approach to the work.
The Initial 15 Submissions
A total of 15 proposals were submitted for review by the Port Authority and the LMDC. Of these, only 10 were considered to have met the minimum qualifications described in the RFP. The 5 that did not meet the minimum qualifications were deemed non-responsive, and were given no further consideration.
From 10 down to 6
Of the 10 proposals meeting the minimum qualifications, three (3) had teams that didn't include a transportation firm capable of performing the complex analysis work included in the transportation and transit scope of the RFP. This led the review committee to conclude that these teams did not fully understand the nature of the services they were being asked to provide. One team had a transportation firm with minimal experience in New York.
Interviews and Elimination
The six (6) remaining firms were asked to make a presentation to the review
committee. Based on these interviews, and careful review of the submitted
materials, the review committee engaged in many hours of discussion, and
eliminated the following firms for the following reasons:
The Two Finalists
It was difficult to choose between the two remaining teams, TEAM C and TEAM B, which outscored the other teams by a significant margin. The review committee felt that the final two teams were extremely solid and both would be more than capable of completing the work. Each team paired a leading architecture firm with a major transportation firm. Each team had a good understanding of the process and was considered very skilled at listening and public outreach.
The team leader at TEAM B made an excellent presentation, and was acknowledged to have a strong reputation as a master planner, but there were some doubts regarding some of the firm's recent projects and their overall ability, to manage the process.
The committee had great confidence in TEAM C's analytical and technical skills, and many felt that their transportation planning work is far superior to any other firm. Their management skills and ability to complete the work on time are extremely impressive, as are their ability to provide real-time traffic and transit simulations and their ability to analyze complex environmental and economic issues. Their planning team has extensive working knowledge of New York and has provided excellent services for many prominent landmark projects.
The review committee enthusiastically selected TEAM C to do the work, determining that the team as a whole brings substantial strengths to each part of the project.
[3 rating forms attached; misaligned originals.]
[The parties listed at the bottom of the rating forms:
Port Authority
Signed: Jerrold Dinkels, Engineering Program Manager, 5/17/02
Signed: Robert Davidson, Chief Architect, 5/17/02
Signed: Ronald Pisapia, Program Manager, Priority Capital Programs, 5/17/02
Blank: Concurred: Anthony Cracchiolo, Director, Priority Capital Programs
Blank: Concurred: Tim Volonakis, Manager Cnsltnt Programs
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
Signed: Alexander Garvin, VP Planning, 5/17/02
Signed: Jim Angley, Chief Financial Officer, 5/17/02
Signed: Andrew Winters, Director of Design and Development, 5/17/02
Blank: Approved: Francis J. Lombardi, Chief Engineer ]
LMDC
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
1 Liberty Plaza, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 962-2300 Fax: (212) 962-2431
TO: Roland Betts, Howard Wilson, and Deborah Wright
FROM: Lou Tomson
DATE: May 20, 2002
As promised, here is a more detailed set of scoring sheets in advance of tomorrow's meeting. Specifically, we are providing the scoring tallies of individual reviewers in response to a request from Board Member Howard Wilson.
Thank you.
[3 scoring sheets attached.]
[Note: Only selected parts of the long proposal are provided here.]
PROPOSAL FOR AN URBAN PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION STUDY
LOWER MANHATTAN AND THE WORLD TRADE CENTER
prepared by
BEYER BLINDER BELLE
ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS LLP
in association with
PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF
6 MAY 2002
____________________________________________
6 May 2002
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
241 Erie Street
Jersey City, NJ 07310-1397
Attention: Laurie Spencer, Senior Consultant Programs Specialist
Re: Urban Planning and Transportation Study for Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center Site
Ladies/Gentlemen:
The successful resolution of the urban design and transportation plan for Lower Manhattan and the World Trade Center site will greatly depend upon an open collaboration among all the team's leaders. The challenge will be to accomplish this with the appropriate balance of respect and invention. It is with a sincere commitment to collaboration that we submit our proposal for this challenging Study, in association with Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, with whom we have worked on many projects.
Beyer Blinder Belle (BBB) will be the prime consultant, responsible for overall project management and urban planning. I will be the Principal-in-Charge, devoting fulltime for the duration of the 28-week study. I will also be the chief spokesperson for the team and responsible to you for all services. John Belle and Richard Blinder will also devote considerable time in their areas of expertise in urban design and the design of cultural and public facilities, Our firm of 125 professionals provides the urban design skills and manpower needed for this project in-house. The other seven BBB partners will support the three founding partners in the execution of the firm's workload during the six-month planning period. The most recent example of the founding partners collaborating in this manner is on the Grand Central Terminal project.
Parsons Brinkerhoff Quade & Douglas (PB) will be responsible for the transportation and civil engineering aspects of the project, including traffic, commuter rail, subways, streets, highways, tunnels, light rail, buses, ferries, shuttle systems, environmental assessment, security, and utilities. Their firm is one of the oldest and most experienced planning and engineering firms in New York. From Parsons' founder's involvement in the creation of the City's first subway system to this day, Parsons Brinckerhoff is deeply committed to New York. PB has committed its most senior engineer to this project, Gregory A. Kelly, P.E., Vice President and New York Area Manager. He will serve as Deputy Principal-in-Charge.
As long-time residents of New York, Messrs. Beyer, Blinder and Belle believe this challenge to be the culmination of a lifetime of work that has been devoted to finding ways to extend and renew the life of this great City. Though we share a common approach to design and a passionate philosophy about urban design, we are individuals who will provide multiple perspectives.
BBB and PB will be assisted in the study by eleven specialists in the following areas:
Landscape Planning and Design |
Laurie D. Olin, Olin Partnership Regina Armstrong, Urbanomics (WBE) Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers PACO Group Inc. (MBE) Abrams-Cherwony & Associates (MBE) Philip Habib &Associates, Inc. (WBE) SIMCO Engineering, P.C. (MBE) Steven Winter Associates, Inc. Ysrael A. Seinuk, P.C. (MBE) VJ Associates (WBE) The Environmental Simulation Center, Ltd. |
Members of the team have worked together on a number of similar projects, including an ongoing study for the Battery Park City Authority of improving linkages between Battery Park City and Lower Manhattan. BBB/PB are also working together on East Side Access and a Master Plan for Denver Union Terminal. We have previously worked together on the NYC2012 Olympics Study and the Newark Airport Administration Building.
The results of this study can be nothing less than the rebirth of Lower Manhattan as New York's first twenty-first century city and the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site as its symbol of remembrance, freedom and progress.
As a witness to the disaster, while standing at West Street and Trinity Place at 8:49 A.M. on September 11th, I assure you that whatever professional skills I may possess, after these many years as an architect and planner, will be more than matched by my personal and emotional commitment to excellence in serving you and, together with you, all New Yorkers.
Sincerely
John H. Beyer, FAIA, AICP
________________________________________
Attachment B
1 . Consultant Criteria
2. Breakdown of Multiplier and its Components
3. Names, Titles, and Hourly Rates for Architectural, Engineering and Technical Personnel
Organizational Structure Proposed for the Project
Written Commitment of Time to be Devoted by the Firm's Principals
Point of Contact Regarding Issues Related to Project Services
4. Technical Qualifications of Architectural, Planning, Engineering and Other Technical Personnel
Firm Profiles and Resumes for:
Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP
Parsons Brinckerhoff
5. Staffing Analysis and Estimated Cost of Each Task
[Proposed Total Fee]
6. Relevant Experience of the Firm
Description of Relevant Projects for Beyer Blinder Belle and Parsons Brinckerhoff
Description of Any Current Work Being Done in Lower Manhatta
Description of Any Previous Work Done Relating to Lower Manhattan
Client Letters of Recommendation and References
7. Issues, Technical Approach and Management Plan
8. Disclosure of Any Potential Conflicts of Interest
9. Intended Subconsultants
Firm Proftles, Resumes and Relevant Experience for:
Olin Partnership - Landscape Planning and Design
Urbanomics (WBE)- Economics and Programming
Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers - Civil and Subsurface Geotechnical
PACO Group Inc. (MBE) - Security Planning
Abrams-Cherwony & Associates (MBE) - Bus Transit Planning
Philip Habib & Associates, Inc. (WBE) -Traffic Forecasting
SIMCO Engineering, PC. (MBE) - Traffic Database
Steven Winter Associates, INC. - Sustainable Design
Ysrael A. Seinuk, P.C. (MBE) - Structural Engineering
VJ Associates (WBE) - Cost Estimating
The Environmental Simulation Center, Ltd.- 3-D Computer Database
10. Minority Business Enterprise Participation Plan
11. List of Firm's Affiliates
ATTACHMENT B
AGREEMENT ON TERMS OF DISCUSSION
The Port Authority's receipt or discussion of any information (including information contained in any proposal, ideas, models, drawings, or other material communicated or exhibited by us or on our behalf) is not to impose any obligation whatsoever on the Port Authority or to entitle us to any compensation therefor (except to the extent specifically provided in such written agreement, if any, as may be entered into between the Port Authority and us). Any such information given to the Port Authority before, with, or after this letter, either orally or in writing, is not given in confidence and may be used or disclosed to others, for any purpose at any time without obligation or compensation and without liability of any kind whatsoever. Any statement which is inconsistent with this agreement, whether made as part of or in connection with any information received from us, or made at any other time in any fashion, shall be void and of no effect. This letter is not intended, however, to grant to the Port Authority rights to use any matter which is the subject of valid existing or potential letters patent. The foregoing applies to any information, whether or not given at the invitation of the Port Authority.
Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners
Signature of Officer
John H. Beyer FAIA, AICP, Partner
6 May 2002
_____________________________________
2. Breakdown of Multiplier and its Components
_____________________________________
3. Names, Titles, and Hourly Rates for Architectural, Engineering and Technical Personnel
_____________________________________
Organizational Structure Proposed for the Project
_____________________________________
Follow-up request for prompt release of Port Authority Material
To: InfoLMDC@empire.state.ny.us, rv-etten@panynj.gov
Date: 29 July 2002
Subject: Freedom of Information Request 2
29 July 2002
Mr. John Whitehead, Chairman
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation
Joseph J. Seymour
Executive Director
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Jack G. Sinagra
Chairman
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Robert E. Van Etten
Inspector General
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Subject: Freedom of Information Request
Dear Messrs. Whitehead, Seymour, Sinagra and Van Etten,
In response to our 29 May 2002 FOI request for information on the selection of the consultants for downtown planning (copy below) we received on 25 July 2002 from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation some 364 pages of material. Excerpts from that material have been published on the Internet:
http://cryptome.org/wtc-foia.htm
We were told by the LMDC vice president for legal affairs that the material provided is all the LMDC has and that the bulk of the consultant selection material and proposals other than that of Beyer Blinder Belle were held by the Port Authority.
The PA FOI office told us by telephone on 19 July 2002 that no schedule could be provided when any material held by the PA would be released.
We would very much appreciate your assistance in arranging for the PA to release its material as soon as possible to assure transparency in consultant selection processes for WTC reconstruction.
Sincerely,
John Young
251 West 89th Street
New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-873-8700
Fax: 212-787-6102
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Original FOI request (omitted here, see above).