World Financial revamp draws criticism

While the owners of the four-tower World Financial Center retail and office complex on the corner of West and Vesey streets are set to unveil a $200 million redevelopment plan tomorrow, insiders say the project is already drawing criticism from community leaders and local officials, according to the Wall Street Journal. Brookfield Properties’ plan would include a complete revamp of the center’s iconic Winter Garden plaza, the removal of its marble staircase and the redevelopment of the complex’s retail space. Amanda Burden, chair of the City Planning Commission, is reportedly opposed to The Plaza remake, while Linda Belfer, chair of the Battery Park City committee, said that local residents are concerned about doing away with an iconic location. “People walked up on the bridge to go from the Trade Center to the World Financial Center and the staircase at that point served as a monumental entrance,” Belfer said. “Much of the community is concerned about [the redevelopment plan].” [WSJ]