The LMDC selects prominent architectural firm, Beyer Blinder Belle as the urban planning consultant, but questions are raised about the process.
"The officials also said questions had been raised about the scoring by one of the six committee members involved in the selection, Alexander Garvin, a vice president of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation.... In assessing the candidates, officials said, Mr. Garvin awarded scores ranging far more widely than those of the other committee members and gave all but one firm scores well below those awarded by the others. The officials acknowledged that the unusual scoring might give the appearance that Mr. Garvin was seeking to ensure a certain outcome. Still, the officials said, even if Mr. Garvin's scoring were thrown out, the result would not change, and they added that all the other committee members ultimately favored Beyer Blinder Belle as the selection."
Thanks to Sandra Sedki
FULL STORY: Selection of Consultant in Rebuilding Is Questioned

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HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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