Proposed deck causing concern.

Brookfield Properties is balking at a proposed deck along West Street at the World Trade Center site, saying the "concept seems flawed."

A deck has been under active consideration by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation as a way to ensure that there is not a four-lane highway along the memorial to the Sept. 11 victims.

But Brookfield Properties, which owns the WFC buildings along West Street, vigorously opposes the idea and has threatened to take LMDC to court over the issue. The alternative would be to submerge West Street as a tunnel from Vesey to Liberty Streets. How ever, a tunnel would cost in excess of $400 million, at least $100 million more than a deck.

Through a spokesperson, Brookfield released the following statement: "We are not aware of a specific plan to deck over West Street and would certainly be prepared to review the merits of any such proposal. However, the concept seems flawed. We have just spent more than $50 million to renovate the Winter Garden. A deck would block its front door. It would also block the entrance of the American Express headquarters and restrict access to the World Financial Center. For these and other reasons, given what we know at this time, we would strongly oppose decking over West Street. Depressing West Street is a far better solution for all. Our views and position have been conveyed to the LMDC."

The LMDC could not be reached for comment.