New Yorkers living around the rebuilt World Trade Center are fighting what they call the “fortresslike” security planned for their neighborhood. They say the $40 million barrier would block them in.

Residents have sued the New York Police Department, the city and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which runs the trade center.

On Thursday in Manhattan state Supreme Court, members of the World Trade Center Neighborhood Alliance will try to show that the NYPD went too far with its plans for the massive guard booths, gates, fencing and checkpoints.

Plaintiff Mary Perillo, a longtime resident, says the neighborhood has become far more residential since 9/11. She says the security plan would keep her and her neighbors isolated while the area is flooded by tourists.

(AP)