Post by Security on Feb 25, 2006 19:44:32 GMT -5
Visitors to the complex that eventually will fill the World Trade Center site might have to submit to iris scans or thumb print analysis to get into buildings, while smart cameras try to match their faces to a photo database of known terrorists. Well-paid armed guards would be on patrol and sensors would test the air for lethal gases.
Preliminary details of a plan to make the redeveloped 16-acre site as terrorism-proof as possible were provided to The Associated Press this past week by former FBI agent James Kallstrom, Gov. George Pataki's senior counterterrorism adviser.
Kallstrom and city and federal officials are aiming for a higher standard of security than is currently in use for public spaces around the nation.
"This'll be reflective of the times we live in," Kallstrom said. "The consequences of attacking here could have more significance to the terrorists. It has a lot of symbolism. It's going to be extremely well protected."
Construction is set to begin this spring on a memorial to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the Freedom Tower, a 1,776-foot skyscraper that some say is having trouble attracting tenants because of security concerns. A transit hub, performing arts center and more office towers also are planned.
The security officials - working with the firm that provided security at the Athens and Salt Lake City Olympics - also are trying to avoid embarrassing public disputes. Last spring, architects working for developer Larry Silverstein were forced to completely redesign the Freedom Tower after the Police Department publicly aired concerns that the building might not withstand a truck bomb.
hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GROUND_ZERO_SECURITY
Preliminary details of a plan to make the redeveloped 16-acre site as terrorism-proof as possible were provided to The Associated Press this past week by former FBI agent James Kallstrom, Gov. George Pataki's senior counterterrorism adviser.
Kallstrom and city and federal officials are aiming for a higher standard of security than is currently in use for public spaces around the nation.
"This'll be reflective of the times we live in," Kallstrom said. "The consequences of attacking here could have more significance to the terrorists. It has a lot of symbolism. It's going to be extremely well protected."
Construction is set to begin this spring on a memorial to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the Freedom Tower, a 1,776-foot skyscraper that some say is having trouble attracting tenants because of security concerns. A transit hub, performing arts center and more office towers also are planned.
The security officials - working with the firm that provided security at the Athens and Salt Lake City Olympics - also are trying to avoid embarrassing public disputes. Last spring, architects working for developer Larry Silverstein were forced to completely redesign the Freedom Tower after the Police Department publicly aired concerns that the building might not withstand a truck bomb.
hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GROUND_ZERO_SECURITY