On May 1, 2009, we addressed a number of concerns to NYC editors and lead WTC reporters. In an early version of the “Open Letter to the Media” presented below we wrote:

In one recent interview – that read more like a dictation – Port Authority Executive Director Christopher Ward made a startling revelation: “Citing a confidentiality agreement, Ward declined to discuss details of the $1 billion offer the Port made to Silverstein…” Why Mr. Silverstein would be offered $1 billion subject to a confidentiality agreement, when the only funds at the Port Authority’s disposal are derived from the public, apparently wasn’t asked.

Two days later, on May 3, 2009, the New York Daily News published “Come clean on Ground Zero: Port Authority must end secret talks with builder.”

Also on May 3rd, in another clear sign of the possibilities that are opening up at Ground Zero, Crains NY made the welcome observation that: “Another impasse at the World Trade Center threatens the meager progress that has been made…”

It pointed out that “the developer has no money at stake, because Mr. Silverstein used his insurance proceeds to reclaim the equity he originally put into the site.” The opinion piece goes on to discuss who should assume the risk of building up the site – avoiding the central question of what is the risk for the American people of failing to make a full recovery at last.