Save Chelsea panel discussion about inappropriate LPC approved alterations – Thursday, Nov. 9th
Thursday, November 9th, 6:30-8:30 PM
Brotherhood Synagogue, 28 Gramercy Park South, NYC
An architectural jewel, Brotherhood Synagogue was built in 1859 and designated an Individual Landmark in 1965.
In recent years, a string of major alterations to landmark-designated buildings – approved by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission – have frustrated communities across the five boroughs. A panel made up of some of these concerned citizens will discuss this recent trend, as well as how community members might have a more active role in the process and how organizations might learn from one another’s efforts to explore strategies for maximizing preservation goals and agendas.
Space is limited.
Admission: $5
Light refreshments will be served.
Panelists:
Moderator: Simeon Bankoff – Executive Director, Historic Districts Council
Adam Jacobs, MD is a resident of the Stuyvesant Square Historic District. He was instrumental in the fight against the expansion of the Friends Seminary School and is the lead plaintiff in an Article 78 lawsuit against the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. He is a doctor at the Mount Sinai Hospital.
Topic: Understanding the Process, Pitfalls, and how to be Pro-active
Robyn Berland is the Chairman of the Board of Friends of Brower Park, an organization focused on preserving natural spaces in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. As part of the St. Marks Avenue Independent Block Association, she has been working to prevent the construction of residential housing in the gardens of the 1870 Dean Sage Mansion, whose garden Mark Twain once enjoyed. Robyn has Masters Degrees in Educational Technology and Digital Media from NYU.
Topic: The Fight to Protect the Last Parterre Garden in Crown Heights North
Jeffrey Kroessler is a long-time board member of HDC and was involved in the battle to designate the Sunnyside Gardens Historic District (designated in 2007). He has a doctorate in urban history from the CUNY Graduate Center, and is currently a librarian at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Topic: How Regulation is as Much of a Struggle as Designation
David Holowka is on the Board of Directors of Save Chelsea and a member of Community Board 4. He is a licensed architect who has worked in New York’s private and public sectors. David has extensive experience in historic preservation of designated landmarks and landmark-quality buildings.
Topic: Sanctioned Facadism and the Hollowed-out Historic District.