The Freedom Tower

Sept. 11 victims’ families will be allowed to return to the site of the World Trade Center to mourn their loved ones on the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks, officials told the AP and other media.

The AP said decision was a relief for family members who had been told last year they could not go back to the site while rebuilding continued. Many tearfully touched the ground at the base of the destroyed towers last Sept. 11, believing it would be their last chance for years to visit the ground where their loved ones died.

But officials with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the site, told victims’ relatives at a meeting Friday that they could pay their respects at the site this September. The Port Authority said last month that every construction project at the site was behind schedule, and the agency is revising rebuilding estimates.

“They are going to open it to bedrock, which is great,” said Monica Iken, whose husband, Michael, was killed at the trade center. “We need a place to go. People need to grieve.”

The city, which organizes the anniversary ceremony, confirmed it would allow family members to go back to the site. Once again, the main ceremony will be held at a park just southeast of ground zero.

“Like last year, we’ll lead the nation in a day of remembrance that includes a ceremony at Zuccotti Park and access to the lower level for family members,” said Stu Loeser, spokesman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg.