The mayor has frequently urged us to proceed as quickly as possible, ... I believe that New Yorkers want to see rapid rebuilding and not yet another exercise in planning and re-planning.

I can't tell you why government does what it does. In the private sector, this doesn't happen. If they are sincere about making a deal, there's nothing to prevent us from going right back to the table and getting it done. It's just that simple. And we're ready to do it today.

Clearly, there are some issues that need to be resolved. But for today, my focus, like that of all New Yorkers, is on getting the Freedom Tower underway.

If you look around Denver, you see many of the buildings Al Cohen erected.

It looked as if a final, fair deal was at hand. However, we now find that the process has apparently gotten bogged down inside the Port Authority.

This is about moving the rebuilding forward as quickly as possible. All the finger-pointing must stop.

Al Cohen was a builder of high-rise office buildings - buildings of consequence.

Norman Foster understands how to design a bold urban icon while simultaneously enhancing the environment and quality of life of the building's occupants.

What is so spectacular is the opportunity to come together as we have in the last few days for the purpose of rebuilding the World Trade Center. It's of great significance to me and to all New Yorkers.

It is inexcusable that the Port Authority abruptly abandoned the talks (Tuesday) night without a plan to move forward. We are not sure where this leaves us now.