Mediator to Resolve Freedom Center Dispute

New York, NY —

A professional mediator has been brought in to resolve the dispute over whether a cultural center belongs near the soon-to-be-built World Trade Center memorial.

REPORTER: Peter Woodin most recently worked on the government's 9/11 victims compensation fund. Now he has been charged with facilitating discussions between some family members and the International Freedom Center. The cultural institution has been criticized by a small but vocal group who fear anti-american exhibits will be shown near the memorial. The Governor has supported their stance. In Lower Manhattan yesterday, he said the Freedom Center must be respectful of 9/11 heroes:

PATAKI: This is not a place for debate, this is not a place to denigrade America or criticize our country in anyway. It's a place for tribute. If that can be done then it will go forward.

REPORTER: The Freedom center says its been trying to meet with concerned family members. The non-profit has until September 23rd to prove to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation that its programming won't offend family members. A second cultural institution, the Drawing Center, refused to go through that process and is now looking elsewhere, with help from the LMDC. For WNYC: I'm Cindy Rodriguez