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The sound of construction is in the air around the former World Trade Center site.

But eight years after the attacks, New Yorkers are not convinced anything's actually happening there.

"I think I'll be retired by the time this is all done,” said one New Yorker.

This was another year of missed deadlines, with the rebuilding effort now years behind schedule. The Port Authority, which owns the site, claims progress is being made, albeit slowly.

"This is no longer a pit,” said Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward. “This is now a construction site."

But the battle for control over the site continues well throughout the year. Two days before the eighth anniversary of the attacks, site leaseholder Larry Silverstein slammed the Port Authority.

"The effort to work together has really vanished, if you will,” he said. “Unfortunately we're not working together today, and the board has simply made it clear that it wants to do things its way and if it doesn't get it done its way, then it's not going to allow us to proceed."

Still there have been visible changes to the site this year.

Emergency responders and victims' family members were on hand as the so-called "last column" was returned to its former home. It will be kept in a climate-controlled pavilion, to help with preservation until the September 11th Museum is built around it.

There was also an official name change for the site's signature skyscraper. The Port Authority announced in March it would only call the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower by its legal name, One World Trade Center.

The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation also made a major announcement that it has set aside more than a million dollars to ensure the Tribute in light will shine for at least two more anniversaries, ensuring that the cherished memorial will be held on the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

And emotions ran high this fall as the U.S.S. New York arrived in the city. With 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center forged into the bow of the navy ship, it’s commissioning was bittersweet.

"It just represents to me the heartache of September 11th and the resilience of our nation,” said Rosemary Cain, who lost her son on 9/11.

"The motto of the USS New York is strength forged through sacrifice, never forget,” said Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

And most New Yorkers say they won't forget, certainly not before they see something rising where the towers once stood.