Statement by Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos

The Port Authority should immediately remove the roadblocks that have prevented the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Christian Church, that was crushed by the falling South Tower on September 11th.  The rebuilding of this beloved neighborhood church has not gone forward because the Port Authority has reneged on a deal that was agreed to by then-Governor George Pataki in 2004.

I applaud Governor Pataki for focusing attention rebuilding on St. Nicholas near Ground Zero.  It is a project that can foster unity and good will and stand as a symbol of rebirth for Lower Manhattan, in contrast to the proposed Mosque that has generated division and controversy.

Rather than focus his attention on the Mosque, Governor Paterson should step in right away to ensure that the State of New York and the Port Authority uphold the agreement with the Greek Orthodox Church so this project can go forward without further delay.

#####