E-BULLETIN OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS COUNCIL
June 2013, Volume 10, Number 6
Campaign to Preserve the Carnegie Libraries
This year the Historic Districts Council launched a new campaign to combat the potential loss of historic community libraries.
Our strategy: This Campaign will lead to the nomination of all the New York City Carnegie Libraries to the New York State and National Register of Historic Places. Listing on the Registers would both provide a variety of incentives for the libraries: they would be eligible for special funding of capital needs, appropriate alterations, renovations or restorations would have the added benefit of guidance from the New York State Office of Historic Preservation (SHPO) and protections: demolitions or serious alterations would be reviewed and discouraged by SHPO, and communities would be given a clear path to weigh in their concerns.
Our goal: To make sure our libraries can be updated and improved with the latest technology and programmatic resources while still respecting the buildings, which have so ably served New York’s population for more than a century. Several of the Carnegies, including Brooklyn’s Macon and Bedford branches, Manhattan’s St. Agnes and 67th Street branches, and the Bronx’s Hunt’s Point and Mott Haven branches have been renovated in recent years, adding state of the art technology while restoring period details and providing improved public access.
We now need to raise $15,000 to complete the National Register nomination and launch it into the public realm. We hope you will now make a donation to help us successfully complete this worthy campaign. Only with your assistance can we make sure that the Carnegie branches in New York City are appropriately renovated, restored and cherished for future generations of New Yorkers to appreciate.
To Make a Donation to the Campaign to Preserve the Carnegie Libraries click here
Picture: Carnegie Library Elmhurst Branch opened 1906, demolished 2012
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The New Amsterdam Market will be open ONE DAY ONLY this summer.
This Sunday June 23rd.
Rally to Save the Fulton Fish Market at 12pm!
NEW AMSTERDAM MARKET
OLD FULTON FISH MARKET
SUNDAY JUNE 23 11AM – 5PM
South Street between Beekman Street & Peck Slip (click here for map)
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Living with Landmark regulations – it’s actually OK!
A recent New York Times article, “High-Mileage Aterations” by Jim Rendon explores the ups & downs of owning a property in a designated Historic District, and comes to the conclusion that it’s actually pretty okay. We’ve been saying that for years, but it’s nice to have our assertions backed up. According to those interviewed, both real estate brokers and owners, historic homes are worth owning despite, and in some cases because of, the extra oversight from LPC.
‘“I thought they {Landmarks Preservation Commission} were my enemy,” [Gary Singer, a psychotherapist who owns an 1897 brownstone in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn] said. “But instead I feel like they are my ally and they can advocate for me.”
“According to real estate brokers, many buyers find homes in such areas desirable. A 2003 study by the city’s Independent Budget Office found that between 1975 and 2002, house prices rose slightly more in historic districts than elsewhere.
“Landmarking is usually positive in terms of quality of life and the maintenance of the neighborhood,” said George van der Ploeg, an executive vice president of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, “and in that sense it can help values. The nicer homes tend to be in historic districts.”
To read the full article click here
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One of the many benefits HDC provides our “Six To Celebrate” is increased ability for them to raise resources to aid their efforts to preserve and protect their preservation efforts. Please take a moment to visit their website and learn what’s going on in these interesting New York neighborhoods – there are lots of fun, out-door summer activities being offered and any contribution you can make to these local efforts is incredibly appreciated.
The Sunset Park Landmarks Committee seeks to celebrate and protect their neighborhood’s historical and architectural significance. But historically insensitive redevelopment is changing the look and feel of the rowhouses. Sunset Park is in danger of losing its sense of place. That’s why the Sunset Park Landmarks Committee was created. Help keep Sunset Park the beautiful historically rich neighborhood it is today by making a tax-deductible donation to the Sunset Park Landmarks Committee.
To learn more visit their website: http://www.preservesunsetpark.org/
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Tribeca
The mission of Tribeca Trust is to educate the public about Tribeca’s history and architectural heritage and to mobilize residents and civic resources so as to preserve our neighborhood’s historic scale, to protect and enhance its architectural character, quality of life, economic vitality, and sense of place. Help Tribeca Trust reach their goal by making a donation today!
Make a tax-deductible donation here
Website http://www.tribecatrust.org/
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2013 is the 125th anniversary year of the creation of the Bronx parks system in 1888. The celebration of this anniversary will highlight the historic nature of the parks system, the importance of park development to the creation of the Bronx and the City as a whole, and the current development of new parkland that the Bronx is witnessing. With this effort the committee hopes to build support for the continued stewardship and improvement of this marvelous legacy.Donate to Bronx Parks 125 today to help support their advocacy of Bronx’s beautiful parks!
Make a tax-deductible donation here
Website: http://bronxparks125.org/about/
Email: [email protected]
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Preservation Greenpoint
Preservation Greenpoint is a neighborhood organization dedicated to protecting the historic architecture and character of Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Preservation Greenpoint was formed in 2012 by two graduates of Columbia University’s Historic Preservation program – Jennifer Schork & Matthew Coody. Its mission is to help protect the historic architecture of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, both within and outside its historic districts. Through a growing committee of concerned residents and preservation professionals, Preservation Greenpoint reviews all applications for proposed changes to designated buildings, and testifies at the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Through outreach, tours, and events, the organization plans to educate community residents and the general public on the history of the neighborhood, the significance of its architecture, and the importance of preserving the area’s character. Donate today to help Preservation Greenpoint continue their great work to support and protect historic Greenpoint
Contact:
Email [email protected]
Website: http://preservationgreenpoint.wordpress.com/
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If you’re receiving this, then you know that HDC is working hard throughout the city to protect and preserve the neighborhoods which make New York great. Please consider contributing and becoming part of the movement to preserve our city’s irreplaceable architecture and history. There are a lot of buildings to cover, and we can only do it with a lot of people.
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