Charles E. Schumer
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Schumer Charles E. Schumer
Senator Charles E. Schumer and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg clashed yesterday over competing visions for rebuilding ground zero in a rare display of tension between two of the state's most powerful politicians. Senator Schumer said the mayor's proposal to build apartments and a hotel at ground zero instead of office space does not make sense and reflected a lack of confidence in downtown. He called on the Bloomberg administration to commit $1.75 billion in tax-exempt financing, known as Liberty Bonds, to commercial development at ground zero. Mr. Schumer also demanded that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey move its offices to the Freedom Tower, the most symbolic and expensive of five proposed office towers, and abandon its efforts to move to another tower at ground zero.  Senator Charles E. Schumer and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg clashed yesterday over competing visions for rebuilding ground zero in a rare display of tension between two of the state's most powerful politicians. Senator Schumer said the mayor's proposal to build apartments and a hotel at ground zero instead of office space does not make sense. He called on the Bloomberg administration to commit $1.75 billion in tax-exempt financing, known as Liberty Bonds, to commercial development at ground zero. Mr. Schumer also demanded that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey move its offices to the Freedom Tower, and abandon its efforts to move to another tower at ground zero.