NEW YORK—A decade after the twin towers were attacked by terrorists, Lower Manhattan is once again prosperous and bustling with life, attracting new businesses and residents. The Epoch Times asked New Yorkers what changes they see in the city 10 years after 9/11.
Nicolas Rodriguez, 22, concierge, Bronx
“A lot more people are more aware now. People are keeping their eyes open, making sure the city is safer. A lot of businesses have changed. There is a lot more security in places, especially in my building on Wall Street.”
Benjamin Creed, 24, employee at nonprofit, Manhattan
“I don’t really think the city has changed that much. Some people are on higher alert, but as a New Yorker, you just naturally have a radar built into you. You always know you live in the biggest terrorist target in the country.”
Melissa Martinez, 23, cashier, Bronx
"A lot more security is on. Everybody is more focused on how to be safe, in case of anything else that could happen. I’m sure after the announced threat on the news, a lot more people will be more alert.”
Alex Kaiser, 25, graduate student at NYU, Brooklyn
“The skyline has changed, which sounds like a superficial thing, but it’s really important to the flavor, feel, and look of the city. Someone pointed out to me that you could always orient yourself [using the twin towers], because they were the tallest buildings in New York, so you could see them above anything and always know which direction you were going. So now that’s really different.”
Chike Lawrence, 24, maintenance worker, Brooklyn
“We got more confidence. Ever since the twin towers went down, it just changed the whole mentality. We learned to get stronger because anything can happen at any moment.”
Sanjay Gupta, sales, Queens
“My friend from Mexico and I went to the Statue of Liberty many years ago. You did not need to reserve it three months in advance [or] go through the security checks. You just go up there. Now, you have to go through security clearance, and to go up to the crown, you need to reserve three months in advance. Whether you are Pakistani or from a different religion, you have to take certain precautions. All of a sudden, there are checks everywhere.”
