GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Some Green Bay council members want to continue the process of taking down the city’s deteriorating Sept. 11 memorial, even after a committee recently recommended finding a way to fix it.
All council members seem to agree that something needs to be done with the 9/11 memorial, but the council appears split on whether to take down the memorial.
Those who want to take down the memorial want to find out what’s inside the memorial’s base.
Two weeks ago, Barb Jack, an original fundraiser for the memorial, told the council that Sept. 11th victim remains are in the base. Jack’s claim came without any documentation.
Then, last week, Jack stated she had proof that the memorial includes victim DNA, but wouldn’t share that proof publicly.
Those who want to keep the memorial are asking for more time to gather information on Jack’s claims. They also want an estimate for fixing the monument.
“There is no plan that was presented that includes putting something in that monument. I believe it was done inappropriately without any oversight, without any authorization.” said Green Bay alderman, Randy Scannell.
While Green Bay alderman Guy Zima says…
“I think what is disrespectful is tearing it down. This is a big deal. I believe it is a tourist attraction. I believe it is very positive.”
The council passed a motion to work toward preserving the monument, coming up with cost estimates, and research what was put into the memorial.
However, that does not necessarily mean the monument will stay up, or be fixed. What it does is allow more time for the two possibilities to be explored more.
