Shortly after 911 ArtsWestchester invited artists from around Westchester County to paint tiles highlighting the artists feelings after 911. A large mural with over 1500 individual tiles was constructed at Richard Presser Park on Central Ave (Webb Field). The Rotary Clubs in our area funded the construction with assistance from Project Liberty.
A historic artifact from the World Trade Center has been attached to the wall. The town of Greenburgh, Fairview, Hartsdale and Greenville Fire departments have held annual 911 ceremonies at the wall--including a well attended ceremony at the park today.
Sadly, the wall has not held up. In 2011 the Greenburgh Arts Council worked with a mason to restore broken tiles that fell off the wall. we had a rededication ceremony on 9/11/11. Last year we discovered that the tiles were starting to fall again--probably due to the change in weather (cold to hot weather conditions). We won't give up --and want to figure out a way to preserve the wall.
link to wall restoration project 2011
http://www.greenburghartsandculture.org/9-11_Tile_Wall_Restoration.html
A few weeks ago Greenburgh Councilman Ken Jones and I met with James Matera, Principal of Southern Westchester BOCES/Center for Career Services. BOCES collaborated with the parks department restoring windows at the Hart's Brook Parks earlier this year. Councilman Jones came up with a great idea --that BOCES make the restoration and maintenance of the 911 wall a school project. Mr. Matera spoke with Richard Thomas, the construction teacher and they agreed to help out---involving students in coming up with a plan to renovate the memorial. It's a great service learning opportunity --and will provide students with the chance to give back. We want to figure out why the bricks and wall have not held up- and what action steps are needed to preserve the wall for many more years.
Mr. Matera told me today that his students will start their work coming up with a plan later this month. As we have done in the past - we will seek private funds for the restoration.
PAUL FEINER