Quelling the controversy simmering over the museum's intentions, Governor George Pataki officially evicted the International Freedom Center from the World Trade Center site. His statement read, "Since June, we have offered the International Freedom Center (IFC) the time they needed to clarify their intentions and work with stakeholders to reach a consensus There remains too much opposition, too much controversy over the programming of the I.F.C., and we must move forward with our first priority, the creation of an inspiring memorial." And while Governor Pataki offered to helop the IFC find another location in Manhattan, the museum issued a statement saying, "We are deeply disappointed that the will could not be found to continue the development of the International Freedom Center at this hallowed site. We do not believe there is a viable alternative place for the IFC at the World Trade Center site." So there will be no IFC anywhere!
The next question is whether or not the IFC's building, designed by Snohetta, will even be built. Newsday says some groups may try to get the memorial museum moved there. Interestingly enough, vocal IFC-opponent NY Post has John Gotti on the cover, instead of proclaiming "IFC KO'D" or something, and the Governor's press release about the IFC's removal is nowhere to be found on his Rebuilding Lower Manhattan part of his website.
