ALERT: Landmarks Preservation Commision Poised to Aprrove 11-story undulating glass tower in Greenwich Village Historic District
Commission Prepares to Approve Undulating Glass Tower in Greenwich Village Historic District.
In spite of overwhelming opposition from neighbors, community groups, local elected officials, and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (see www.gvshp.org/122GrAvtestber.htm), the Landmarks Preservation Commission yesterday said it would approve a proposal for an 11-story undulating glass tower in the Greenwich Village Historic District. Following the March public hearing where dozens testified against the proposed design, yesterday the Commission held a public meeting on the item (which did not allow public testimony), in which the architect re-presented his designs for the site unchanged to the Commission. The Commission, all of whose members are appointed by the Mayor, unanimously told the applicant that with only the most minor of changes, they will grant approval of the design. See www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=8&aid=58740 for coverage by NY 1 of the decision and reaction by GVSHP and neighbors.
GVSHP is gravely concerned about this impending decision and its implication for both the Greenwich Village Historic District and the integrity of the Landmarks Law in general. A letter was immediately sent from GVSHP to LPC Chair Robert Tierney outlining these very serious concerns, and urging the Commission NOT to go ahead with a decision to which it seems to have now committed itself (see www.gvshp.org/documents/GrAveLPClet.pdf). In anticipation of yesterday’s meeting, State Senator Tom Duane sent a similar strongly-worded letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (see www.gvshp.org/122GrAvtest.htm), and GVSHP has asked our other elected officials who have previously spoken out against this proposal to do the same.
Once the Commission gives full approval to the design, it will also have to go to the Board of Standards and Appeals for permission to build approximately 15 feet higher, and slightly larger, than the zoning for the site allows. That process has not yet begun, however.
While the Commission seems to have fully committed itself to approving this design, we feel it is important that they know how grave a mistake we believe such an approval would be.
WRITE TO THE LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION NOW, letting them know why you think approval of this design would be such a mistake for this neighborhood and for landmark protections in general. Go to www.gvshp.org/122GrAvlet.htm for a sample letter you can use and contact information.