One of the Deputy Mayors tried to swing a deal to get the Port Authority out of it by swapping ownership of land they lease from the City at either Kennedy or La Guardia for Ground Zero. I can’t remember for sure, but I think it was Kennedy Airport. It was comparable land; the PA wouldn’t be losing anything.
The PA hung onto Ground Zero.
I was an involved citizen, and participated in various planning events, but I walked away from the whole thing when I saw all the self-interest ruining and running the show.
The PA of NY/NJ prior to 9/11 had always wanted to eliminate that little church in the WTC’s huge shadow, it was always in jeopardy... Not surprising the church is facing difficulty in rebuilding...
The entire former WTC site is a total disgrace in my opinion. It should have been restored exactly as it was prior to the destruction on 9/11, including that little church... To let islam reshape downtown NYC from anything other than what it exactly was is ludicrous. I left NYC when I learned it would not be restored. Glad to be outta there... NYC has caved in to islam.