Jersey City, N.J. – More than a decade after its dedication, the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial in Liberty State Park is still unfinished, prompting families of victims and local advocates to demand that state officials complete and maintain the project.
Memorial design and current condition
The memorial, intended to honor the 749 New Jersey residents who perished on September 11, 2001, consists of two parallel stainless‑steel walls, each 210 feet long and 30 feet high. When sunlight hits the walls at a specific time of day, a halo effect is meant to appear, symbolizing the Twin Towers.
Instead of the intended polished steel, the site now shows raw concrete walls. One of the two kiosks meant to help visitors locate names is non‑functional, and of the 60 cherry trees planted as part of the design, only a few survive.
Family voices and personal connections
Mike Donatos, whose brother‑in‑law Brian Martineau worked on the South Tower’s 102nd floor, recalled his early optimism for the memorial. “I was one of the 12 original members of the New Jersey 9/11 Family and Survivors Committee, and Empty Sky was the clear choice,” he said. Today, Donatos likens the unfinished structure to “a sound barrier on the turnpike.”
Dr. Chris Meeks, a 9/11 survivor and founder of the 9/11 Legacy Foundation, called the site “an eyesore” and a “concrete slab” that fails to convey the sacrifice of the victims. He expressed a willingness to help raise funds, whether through state appropriations, private donations, or public‑private partnerships.
Government response and funding challenges
The memorial’s development has spanned six gubernatorial administrations, beginning under former Gov. Jim McGreevey in 2004 and continuing under Gov. Phil Murphy. Former assistant director of the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, Frank Gallagher, noted that long‑term commitments have been hard to sustain across changing administrations.
In a written statement, the Murphy administration affirmed its “unwavering commitment” to the memorial and pledged to work with families and stakeholders to find a path forward.
Broader park revitalization excludes Empty Sky
While a $1 billion revitalization effort is under way for 15 areas of Liberty State Park, the Empty Sky memorial is not currently included in those plans. Advocates argue that the omission leaves families feeling ignored after more than two decades of waiting.
Next steps
Families and advocacy groups are urging the state to allocate dedicated funding to finish the concrete walls, repair the kiosks, and restore the cherry trees. They also seek a clear maintenance plan to ensure the memorial remains a dignified tribute for future generations.
The ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of honoring the memory of those lost while respecting the wishes of the families who continue to seek a fitting, completed memorial.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
