Freedom Tower site to be protected by multiple security measures

Feb 27, 2006 3:33 PM

State-of-the-art security measures will be in place as construction on the Freedom Tower and a memorial to those killed on Sept. 11, 2001, begins this spring. New York senior counterterrorism advisor to the governor, James Kallstrom, says the security standard will reflect the times, boosting a standard of security so high that it doesn't even exist yet in public spaces.
Kallstrom says the security could include iris scans or fingerprint analysis for visitors to the site, smart cameras to match faces against a photo database of known terrorists and sensors to test the air for lethal gases, The Associated Press reports.
Some say the Freedom Tower -- a 1,776-foot skyscraper --- has had trouble attracting tenants because of security concerns. Architects working for developer Larry Silverstein redesigned the Tower last year after the Police Department aired concerns that the building might not withstand a truck bomb.
Security officials are now working with a firm that has provided security at the Athens and Salt Lake City Olympic gases.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the site and has its own police force, could share security responsibility for the site with city police and highly trained, armed security guards.
A transit hub, performing arts center and more office towers are also planned for the site.

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