Preserving Rego Park and Forest Hills
Summary of Rego-Forest Preservation Council meeting with Community Board 6 Historical Committee: Mon, Aug 20
In the Community Board 6 District Office (73-05 Yellowstone Blvd), around 15 dedicated historic preservationists sat and shared their vision for the future of Forest Hills and Rego Park. Members of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, which serves Rego Park and Forest Hills, met with Community Board 6’s Historical Committee on Monday, August 20th. Participants consisted of neighborhood residents, some of whom are historians, as well as advocates from other parts of the city including the Historic Districts Council. Preservationist Michael Perlman, Chairman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, and Historian Jeff Gottlieb, President of the Central Queens Historical Association, monitored the meeting.
The meeting commenced with an introduction of all participants, and the mission statement of CB 6’s Historical Committee and Rego-Forest Preservation Council. Topics included the workings of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), reasons for its establishment, and the provisions of the Landmarks Law. Perlman & Gottlieb shared landmarking victories (Remsen Family Cemetery in early 80s & Ridgewood Savings Bank in 2000), and examined case studies of the LPC’s denial (Trylon Theater in 2006 & 72nd Ave rowhouses in 2007). Then insight was taken from colleagues on what they envision as landmarks, and Perlman & Gottlieb presented neighborhood history and potential landmarks from their point of view. In addition, methods of research which will be useful for inclusion in the LPC’s Request For Evaluation forms, was discussed.
The consensus was that our neighborhoods have a history dating back to 1906, but official landmarks are scarce, and the LPC must stop turning a blind eye. We are determined to utilize the Landmarks Law, survey potential Individual Landmarks and potential Historic Districts, and encourage the LPC to calendar sites for a public hearing; the democratic ideal.
Potential Individual Landmarks outside Historic Districts will likely be proposed first, as well as any imminently endangered site that would jeopardize our chances of creating a Historic District, if demolished. Upon conclusion of the meeting, Rego-Forest Preservation Council & CB 6’s Historical Committee made a commitment to work together to preserve and appreciate historic gems which initiate flavor and diversity, in order to ensure a better future for our communities.
How To Join
Unlike most organizations, dues are not necessary to join Rego-Forest Preservation Council. We operate on the basis of individuals who wish to volunteer, or those who are simply driven by the passion for our community. If interested in joining, please contact Chairman Michael Perlman at [email protected]. Please compose a few paragraphs indicating:
o Where you live
o Your interest in the community
o How you feel about the state of preservation and out-of-context development.
o Any prior involvement in historic preservation or community efforts in general.
o How you feel you can contribute
o Additional reasons as to why you would like to be a part of Rego-Forest Preservation Council.
May our future be in the hands of those who value neighborliness, working together for the common good, and understanding the importance of preserving our architectural and cultural history.