Customer Reviews

The Ground Zero Rebuilding Scandal: The Dirty Politics of Creating a New World Trade Center

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I just finished this book, and I'm absolutely STUNNED. I've read some of the comments on Amazon.com, and I just don't see how you could read this book and not be bowled over. The few negative comments here dislike the book because they say Berzon is just editorializing about rebuilding the Twin Towers, yet they STILL RECOMMEND it as an excellent narrative on how crooked politics come into play in major urban development. How can you believe the FACTS in this book and then dismiss Berzon's conclusions as a conspiracy theory?

Berzon's assertions that Mayor Mike was trying to steal the insurance proceeds admittedly sounds like a conspiracy theory ... until Berzon (a respected investigative journalist) turns up a City Hall document ADMITTING it! Berzon's assertions that Daniel Libeskind committed fraud might sound like a conspiracy theory ... until Libeskind is called on the carpet and ADMITS it to the New York Times. Berzon's assertions that the Port Authority really just wanted to stick us with those original rejected plans from back in July 2002 might seem like a conspiracy theory .. until Berzon catches the head of the Port Authority ADMITTING it! This book is STUNNINGLY researched!!!

The only serious allegation I've heard against this book is that it seems impossible that so many different people and groups could be so corrupt at the same place and the same time, with the singular bent of not rebuilding the Twin Towers. Well, I agree. It would SEEM impossible ... which is what makes this such a sobering read as Berzon manages to PROVE everything he says.

Mr. Berzon is a true New Yorker, and I look forward to his next book fighting the corruption within our city and state governments.

Justin has definitaly done his work, he completely unmasks the corrupt WTC rebuilding process. I always wondered how Libeskind won when he finished last on every poll he was in, and wondered why the Twin Towers were never ever given as an option, but the book explains everything. For those who say its all a "conspiarcy thoery", they havent read the book!! Berzon shows actuall documents signed by the politicians, Roswell,NM is a "conspiracy theory", this isn't. After you finished reading the book, you will wonder who is the real enemy of NY, Osama Bin Laden, or Governor Pataki and the LMDC. Its hard to tell, both are really trying to hurt New Yorkers. After reading the book, dont keep quiet, be an activist and oppose the plan born out of pure greed and corruption. I think everyone will enjoy the surprise in the "scandal" section! Its official New Yorkers, we've been had!

I've followed the rebuilding process very closely since day one and I've seen the corruption with my own eyes, poll after poll, opinion after opinion. Though the Twin Towers were never formally given to us an option to be rebuilt, the LMDC did give us a selection of desigins and surprisingly the plan that most resembled the Twin Towers (by Sir Norman Foster) was on the top of nearly every poll. I was certain this plan would win, but to my and everyone else's surprise a weak design that was on the bottom of all polls by Daniel Libeskind mysteriously was selected as the "winner." Though I'd prefer to see the twin towers rebuilt I'd settle for something that at least a majority of Americans agreed upon, rather than something selected by corrupt, self-serving politicians. Afterall, we supposedly do live in a democracy.

Justin Berzon states what actually happened throughout the rebuilding process by using actual headlines from the media. He is right when he states that Governor George E. Pataki was making the decisions for himself when a strong majority wanted to see the Twin Towers rise up again. I am glad that a book like this was printed. Keep in mind that the Freedom Tower did not rank high among the public. It's about time that the truth on this issue has finally been exposed.

If that big hole in the sky still makes you angry, the toothpick slated to replace it will make you livid. Berzon shows how a totally unacceptable plan was railroaded through the development process over the objections of its principle tenants (all of whom have fled) and the citizens of New York and New Jersey, who own the site, and who decisively rejected it in poll after poll. What's sickening are the reasons behind the fraud: not just bad taste and cowardice (although there's plenty of that) but a financial stake in ruining downtown Manhattan to ensure that high-stakes real estate adventures in Midtown succeed. Wait until you see who's behind it--I don't want to give it all away, but let's just say things are going to get real nasty, real soon. Get the skinny here!

As someone who was directly involved in the "official process", as it has come to be known, I can tell you that Justin Berzon has it right on every count. When I attempted to blow the whistle, I was ridiculed and ignored. The media would not even speak with me (save for one very cautious Post reporter, who never ran with the big story...only side-angle stories). I'm just glad that someone had the courage, fortitude and tenacity to finally "break" this story in its ugly entirety. I know it's hard to accept the truth in this case, because there is so much emotion tied up in the destruction of the WTC. And for those who are interested in the truth, but are concerned about buying into a "conspiracy theory"...all I say is carefully analyze the tone of those who dismiss Mr. Berzon's work...and do some research on your own. Take it from someone who was part of this debacle...in this case, the truth is stranger (and more disturbing) than fiction could ever be.

Whether you are a Native New Yorker, a tourist or have never set foot in Manhattan; if you loved the buildings and are wondering why they can't be rebuilt, you must read this book. It boils down to money, power and corruption. The citizens were never offered an alternative to the Freedom Tower, so we are replacing the Twin Towers with an ugly monstrosity. Justin carefully researched his subject matter and has written from his heart. The facts are stunning. Before you write this off as another conspiracy theory, read the book. You will be shocked.

Berzon has done his homework and documents those little white lies that officials connected with the World Trade Center have been peddling for the last two years, all in the interest of promoting a plan that is an architectural and environmental failure. Reading this book will clarify how badly bungled this project has been from the start, all because a few New York politicians and their cronies, including the New York Times, stand to make a financial killing by rebuilding the World Trade Center as a third-rate tourist trap instead of as a magnet for investment. This is a terribly sad story and one that must be read to be believed. Buy it. Read it. Give it to your friends. We've been had!

Berzon uses facts, such as the transcripts of actual interviews, to expose how Pataki and company ignored popular opinion on the rebuilding process. This is NOT a conspiracy theory book. These are the facts!

I was involved in the so called 'public process', and just as shocked as everyone else when this horrible and unpopular design was selected. Buy the book, and you will find out why rebuilding the twin towers was never even considered. It's amazing what our politicians will sacrifice for the sake of greed.