Local activists are furious the terror trials could still be held in Lower Manhattan. (Nina Mandell/DNAInfo)By Nina Mandell
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
President Obama said Sunday that he hadn’t ruled out holding the terror trials in Lower Manhattan, but acknowledged that he’s aware of the deep concerns of New Yorkers.
"I have not ruled it out, but I think it's important for us to take into account the practical, logistical issues involved," Obama told Katie Couric in a pre-Super Bowl interview.
"I mean, if you have a city that is saying no, and a police department that is saying no, and a mayor that is saying no, that makes it difficult.”
Following protests from community activists and local politicians, the White House asked Attorney General Eric Holder late last month to look into alternative locations for the trials.
If the trials are held in Lower Manhattan, activists claim the neighborhood will be turned into a so-called “war zone” with checkpoints and massive traffic backups.
The estimated cost of $200 million per year for hearings that could last up to 4 1/2 years has also drawn criticism from local politicians and Mayor Bloomberg.
"Based on the security, logistical and cost concerns raised by the Mayor and the Police Commissioner, it is not feasible to have the trials in New York. The administration should realize that and move on," Sen. Chuck Schumer said last week.
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