Queens, NY – September 30, 2002. The Accardi Companies, a small Queens based combustion equipment consultant and supplier, was asked to join the World Trade Center Memorial design team to complete construction of the eternal flame which was lit by New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, several surviving family members and various Foreign Dignitaries to mark the one year anniversary of the September 11th disaster.

    Because the flame is located far from any point of local gas utility company service and the service pressure available in the area is not adequate to operate the flame, Con Edison and the NYC Department of Design and Construction asked Jack Accardi, based on his expertise and experience with natural gas service piping and distribution systems, to coordinate the design and fabrication of an automated gas booster and control station.

    The Accardi Companies has an industry leading reputation and has served in a consulting capacity for ConEdison, Keyspan and many others City and State Agencies.  Some of their projects include the Museum of Modern Art, Ford Center of Performing Arts, The US Federal Court House and the Grand Central and WhiteHall Ferry Terminals.

    This automated gas booster and control station will constantly furnish gas to the eternal flame 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  To ensure that the Eternal Flame keeps burning and operates properly in the unsupervised environment of Battery Park, this system needed to be completely automated, capable of remote wireless communication and complete with 100% redundant system standby features.

    The diverse and skilled team assembled for this project was made up of various design and construction professionals, Con Edison, the NYC Depart of Parks, Buildings, Design and Construction, Home Craft Inc and several other independent suppliers and contractors.  Much of the material and labor for this project was donated by members of the team.

    Accardi’s president, Jack Accardi said, “The cooperation and commitment of all the team members to this project’s success was a great thing to witness.  They are truly professionals, dedicated to getting the job done.  I am privileged to have worked with them for such a memorable and meaningful cause and more fortunate to now, call them my friends.”