New York - Statue of Liberty's Crown To Stay Closed

New York - The Statue of Liberty's crown will remain closed, the National Park Service has told lawmakers, infuriating those who have fought to reopen it following the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The crown has been closed for years out of concerns the fire safety and terrorism hazards of the cramped spiral staircase simply could not be overcome.
"For the better part of three years now, they've been dancing around this issue," said Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., who has sought to force the National Park Service to reopen the crown.
"This is the first time they've said they're not moving forward, they're essentially done looking at it," Weiner said by phone from Israel. The Queens lawmaker branded the decision "the final victory of the terrorists on Sept. 11."

In a letter to Weiner, outgoing Park Service Director Fran Mainella wrote: "The current access patterns reflect a responsible management strategy in the best interests of all our visitors."

The congressman, who oversees the House subcommittee on national parks, said he may hold hearings to re-examine the issue and the agency's decision.
"While I respect the Park Service's justified concern for public safety, I am disappointed with their apparent decision to stop trying," said Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M. "Americans have a right to hear something better from their National Park Service than the implied message of this letter, which is 'never'."