Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2001
Release #315-01

Contact: Sunny Mindel / Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES OPENING OF INFORMATION CENTER FOR
BUSINESSES IN FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Center Will Assist with Utility, Communication Issues


Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced today that businesses located in the eastern portion of the financial district will be able to gain access to their premises beginning tomorrow morning. The City will open and Information Center at 80 Pine Street to answer questions and provide assistance regarding electric telephone and other utility services for businesses in the area. The Center will be manned by Con Edison, Verizon and City agency representatives to answer questions and provide assistance.

Though the entire area remains closed to automobile traffic, limited pedestrian access, limited subway access and access via bus will be provided to the area Saturday morning to enable these businesses to prepare for the start of the business week on Monday.

Businesses located between William Street and the East River and North of Wall Street to the Brooklyn Bridge may be without electricity unless the buildings in which they are located already have backup or emergency generators in place. They may also have no telephone service. In addition, until service is restored, businesses should anticipate that streetlights in the areas without electricity will not be working.

Businesses must not use portable generators without assessment and approval by a licensed electrician, and are strongly encouraged to consult with personnel at the Information Center, as well as the building's owners. The improper use of generators could cause serious damage to sensitive telephone and electric equipment and create safety hazards.

"We are working in cooperation with Con Edison and Verizon to get the Downtown business community up and working as soon as possible," said the Mayor. "We urge the businesses to take advantage of the Information Center."

Many businesses located south of Wall Street now have electricity and telephone service. It is anticipated that electric service in the area north of Wall Street will begin to be restored toward the end of the coming week. The City, Con Edison and Verizon will continue to update the business community as its reconstruction work progresses.

Businesses Seeking information on real estate and other non-utility issues should call the following hotlines set up by the City and State: 1800-I LOVENY, 718 403-2220 or 718-630-2457.


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