The Fight for West Park: Can This Landmark Be Saved?

Описание: Join the Historic Districts Council, Landmark West! and the New York Landmarks Conservancy for this virtual discussion of how to save West Park.

New York’s landmark buildings embody our history and identity. They contribute to our economy and quality of life. Though historic districts and landmarks cover only 5% of land across the five boroughs, they protect and strengthen the neighborhoods that are the heart and soul of this great City.

Asking to destroy a landmark is and should be a rare occurrence.

West Park Presbyterian Church wants to demolish its lovely Romanesque Revival building, an individual landmark, so it can be replaced by another market-rate residential tower. The Landmarks Preservation Commission could decide the landmark’s fate next month. We do not believe the Church has met the “Hardship” requirements of the Landmarks Law necessary to demolish the building.

Manhattan Community Board 7 held three meetings on the issue recently and voted to deny hardship. The Community Board is only advisory, however. The Landmarks Preservation Commission is expected to hold a hearing on the hardship application on December 9.

We agree the City needs more housing, especially affordable housing. But that can and should be achieved without destroying an important, and still vital, landmark. Our panel will break down what hardship requires and present our reasoning for saving West Park.

Speakers include:
Gale A. Brewer, City Council Member
Michael Hiller, Preservationist and Lawyer
George Janes, Principal of George M. Janes & Associates