While the debate continues over the Obama administration's decision to bring September 11th terror suspects into Lower Manhattan, the NYPD is already laying out plans to maintain security during the proceedings. NY1's Lily Jamali filed the following report.

The New York City Police Department started laying out its plans to harden the area surrounding Manhattan's federal courthouse as early as last month.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said strategizing with the feds began when it became clear the city was a likely location for the upcoming trial of the September 11th terror suspects. Kelly says he doesn't think New Yorkers will see much difference.

"I don't see it as impacting significantly on businesses or community living in the area," Kelly said.

The price tag isn't clear and details of the security plan are still being worked out. The U.S. Marshals office will be leading the effort to house and transport the suspects, including the self proclaimed mastermind of the attacks, Khalid Sheik Mohammed.

He and the other four defendants won't even be moved to the city for at least 45 days.

"We have a lot of experience and I have every reason to believe it will go well," Kelly said.

In fact, experts say what's already in place made the city an attractive option for Attorney General Eric Holder. A tunnel connecting the Metropolitan Correction Center to the courthouse means the suspects won't be out in the open.

New York has also been through this before, perhaps most memorably with Omar Abdel Rahman, who was convicted of plotting to blow up several city landmarks.

Karen Greenberg of the New York University Center on Law and Security says baseline security is already very high.

"So it may or may not be ratcheted up more than that. But there is strong and unmistakable security measures at courthouses in Manhattan even now," Greenberg said.

Still, former NYPD counterterror chief John Colgan said New Yorkers will see added security measures.

"I think there'll be significant level of aerial surveillance in the area of the venue for the trial," Colgan said. "I think there will be streets closed at the appropriate times to guarantee the safe movement of the individuals to be tried. I think there will be significant safety precautions taken to protect the jurors."

Kelly says the federal government will likely reimburse the NYPD for part or all of its role -- whatever that role ultimately is.