E-BULLETIN OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICTS COUNCIL
July 2013, Volume 10, Number 4
REBNY’s 50-Year War on Landmarks
You may have noticed that the Real Estate Board of New York have been making some noise lately about how much of Lower Manhattan has landmark protection. This is really no surprise to anyone who has been paying any attention for the past 50 years – Lower Manhattan includes some of New York City’s oldest concentrations of historic architecture and strong communities who have invested a lot of time, energy and money in maintaining, protecting and revitalizing them. What’s strange is that the folks at REBNY think this is a bad thing. “We think the city’s future is tied to growth. We think we need to generate new housing, generate new jobs, that generates new tax dollars. If we start landmarking more and more of the city, we are landmarking away the city’s future economic growth” said Steven Spinola, President of REBNY, to NY1 in a recent article.
No one could honestly say that SoHo, Tribeca or Greenwich Village have not prospered since designation, which in some cases has been in effect since the 1970’s. What is startling about REBNY’s argument against historic neighborhoods is how long they’ve been singing the same tune. In 1965,John R. O’Donoghue, the executive secretary of the owners division of REBNY, told The New York Timesthe Landmarks Law will “seriously impede the modern expansion and progress of the city.” The last 48 years of development certainly doesn’t seem to agree with that particular prophesy.
In fact, for an organization which is “concerned with the expansion of New York’s economy by encouraging the development and renovation of commercial and residential real property in order to enhance the city’s appeal to investors and residents”, REBNY seems to have a remarkable blind spot towards the positive effects of landmark designation. In 1988, President Steven Spinola said (in testimony on the proposed Central Park West Historic District): “I’m sure it will come as no surprise when I say the Board opposes the creation of the proposed Central Park West Historic District. We are often criticized for our unwillingness to accept historic districts. And it’s true, that in the past we have opposed, rather than supported, most districts. Our opposition really began with the Upper East Side Historic District, and has continued to the other large districts such as Ladies’ Mile and this one. And our opposition will continue, as long as we believe that historic districts are proposed as development control mechanisms.” True to his word, their opposition has continued to this day.
We find it bewildering that anyone honestly claims that landmark designation destroys property values when a tiny parcel of land in the SoHo Historic District, only big enough for a fruit stand, sells for $26 million? We’re flummoxed by the charge of landmarks obstructionism when even regulated architects think it improves projects. We shake our head at cries of loss of jobs when contractors and building professionals say designation is good for business, and we honestly just don’t know what to do with the accusations of government overreach when REAL NEW YORKERS spend years trying to gain landmark status. But maybe that’s just us. Evidently, that’s how REBNY sees the world. They objected to landmark designation in 1965 and they object to it now. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but it’s not really a surprise and it certainly isn’t news.
Help support HDC’s opposition to REBNY’s assault on the Landmarks Law here.
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Missed our recent tours of Brooklyn? See the Neighborhoods Online!
Over the last few weeks, HDC held three sold out tours of historic neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The Greenpoint and Sunset Park tours were part of our Six To Celebrate summer tours. Six To Celebrate is our annual program which identifies six historic New York City neighborhoods that merit preservation as priorities for HDC’s advocacy and consultation over a yearlong period. We also had a tour of Williamsburg which was a tie-in to the documentary, The Domino Effect.
Check out our website for pictures from the tour http://hdc.org/program-events/six-to-celebrate/six-to-celebrate-2013-neighborhoods/six-to-celebrate-2013-walking-tours so you can see the neighborhoods from the comfort of your computer and if you’re interested, we’re offering another Williamsburg walking tour in August (check www.hdc.org for updates) and our friends at the Sunset Park Landmarks Committee and Preservation Greenpoint are also hosting more tours as well!
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Spend a day with the City Planning Commission and Comment on the East Midtown Rezoning Proposal
The next big step in the city’s official land use review process (ULURP) for the East Midtown Rezoning is fast approaching. On Wednesday, August 7, starting at 9am the City Planning Commission will hold its public hearing on East Midtown at the Customs House at One Bowling Green.
Michael Kimmelman in The New York Times (see here) is wonderfully clear on the weaknesses of this proposal. A coalition of Community Boards has rejected it. HDC has asked that the Landmarks Commission protect 31 properties identified as potential landmarks. Now it’s important for the City Planning Commission to hear our concerns!
To be warned, this is going to be a LONG day – Sign-in will start at 8:30am and it’s strongly advised that people be there to sign in early. Be prepared to spend the day – bring a snack and make sure your cell phone is fully charged. This is about the future of Midtown and it’s worth it.
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Follow Us on Facebook and Find Out What’s Up in New York Preservation
HDC uses our Facebook account to circulate news articles about preservation in New York City. Check us https://www.facebook.com/pages/Historic-Districts-Council/91520047765.
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