New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission

New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission is a New York City agency responsible for preserving and protecting the city's historic and culturally significant buildings, districts, and landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square. The commission was established in 1965, following the demolition of the Penn Station building, which sparked widespread outrage and calls for preservation efforts, led by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Mayor John V. Lindsay. The commission's work is guided by the New York City Charter and the Landmarks Law, which grants the agency the authority to designate and regulate landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, and New York Public Library. The commission's efforts have been influenced by the work of notable preservationists, including Jane Jacobs, Robert Moses, and Babette Coleman.

● History

The history of the commission dates back to the early 20th century, when New York City began to experience rapid growth and development, leading to the destruction of many historic buildings, including the St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Woolworth Building. In response, preservationists, such as Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan, advocated for the protection of the city's cultural heritage, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. The commission's establishment in 1965 marked a significant turning point in the city's preservation efforts, with the appointment of its first chair, Harold C. Burton, and the designation of its first landmark, the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House, which is also a National Historic Landmark. The commission's work has been shaped by the city's complex history, including the Dutch colonial period, the American Revolution, and the Gilded Age, and has been influenced by the work of notable architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

● Responsibilities

The commission's responsibilities include identifying and designating landmarks, such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, and regulating changes to these properties, in accordance with the Landmarks Law and the New York City Zoning Resolution. The commission also provides technical assistance and guidance to property owners, including the New York City Housing Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and works to educate the public about the importance of preservation, through partnerships with organizations, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the New York Landmarks Conservancy. The commission's staff, including its chair, Sarah Carroll, and its executive director, Fernando Wood, work closely with other city agencies, including the New York City Department of Buildings and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, to ensure that preservation efforts are integrated into the city's overall planning and development process, which is guided by the New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan and the PlaNYC initiative.

● Designation Process

The designation process typically begins with a nomination, which can be submitted by anyone, including community boards, such as Manhattan Community Board 1 and Brooklyn Community Board 2, and preservation organizations, such as the Historic Districts Council and the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities. The commission's staff then conducts a thorough review of the property, including its historical and cultural significance, and its architectural and aesthetic value, using resources, such as the New York City Archives and the Museum of the City of New York. If the commission determines that the property meets the criteria for designation, it will hold a public hearing, which is advertised in the New York City Gazette and on the commission's website, and provide an opportunity for public comment, before making a final decision, which is subject to review by the New York City Council and the Mayor of New York City.

● Commissioners

The commission is composed of 11 commissioners, who are appointed by the Mayor of New York City, including Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, and confirmed by the New York City Council, which is led by Speaker Adrienne Adams. The commissioners serve staggered terms, and are chosen for their expertise in fields, such as architecture, history, and preservation, including Robert A.M. Stern and Elizabeth Barlow Rogers. The commission's chair, Sarah Carroll, is responsible for leading the commission and setting its agenda, which includes regular meetings, such as the Landmarks Preservation Commission Meeting, and special events, such as the Landmarks Preservation Commission Awards.

● Notable Designations

The commission has designated over 1,400 landmarks, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, and the New York Public Library, which are also National Historic Landmarks. Other notable designations include the High Line, the Grand Central Terminal, and the Times Square, which are also National Register of Historic Places listings. The commission has also designated several historic districts, including the Greenwich Village Historic District, the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District, and the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, which are also National Historic Landmark Districts.

● Controversies

The commission's work has not been without controversy, with some property owners and developers, such as Donald Trump and Related Companies, arguing that the designation process is too lengthy and bureaucratic, and that it can limit their ability to develop their properties, including the Atlantic Yards and the Hudson Yards. Others, including preservationists, such as Tom Wolfe and Annette de la Renta, have argued that the commission is not doing enough to protect the city's cultural heritage, and that it is too willing to compromise on the integrity of historic buildings, including the St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Woolworth Building. The commission has also faced criticism for its handling of high-profile cases, including the Penn Station redevelopment and the Grand Central Terminal renovation, which have been the subject of controversy and debate, involving stakeholders, such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the New York City Department of City Planning.