District Lines Spring 2009

news and viewsDISTRICT of the Historic Districts Council LINESSpring 2009 vol. xxiii no. 1

“En d a n g e r e d ” So u t h St r ee t Se a p o r t Ma k es Se v e n t o Sa v e Li s t Re c e n t l y , t h e So u t h St r e e t Se a p o r t the 1939 New Market Building, which toric district in 1977 and its subsequent Historic District made the annual “Sev- lies just outside the locally designated expansion in 1989, alterations and con- en to Save” Endangered Properties List historic district, to make room for two struction in the neighborhood, under of the Preservation League of New York high-rise towers. The new development the watchful eye of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, have been appropriate for the most part, some even enhancing the character of the district. Over the last few years, though, a number of projects proposed by the city to create new amenities in the increas- ingly residential and affluent neighborhood have been less sympathetic. For example, a roller-coaster-look- ing playground with ramps almost six feet high and additional six-foot-tall fences was approved for Burling Slip. In Peck Slip, a park with trees and sculp- tural rib-like elements evoking a ship will fill the open space. Another park, with tidal-marsh plantings, arrangement of bluestone in a wave pattern, and a water feature, will surround the Ti- HDC tanic Memorial located at the main en- 159-171 John Street, South Street Seaport Historic District trance to the district on Fulton Street. State, the statewide historic-preserva- would wall off the Seaport from the wa- Most recently, a proposal to reconstruct tion advocacy organization. This year’s ter, destroying the relationship between Pier 15 included a large structure with a list celebrates the maritime history of the district’s historic market buildings rooftop garden. The South Street Sea- the state in honor of the quadricenten- and the East River. port Historic District is rich in sim- nial of Henry Hudson’s and Samuel de Since its designation as a city his- Continued on p. 3 Champlain’s explorations of the area’s waterways and also the bicentennial of “Bringing a lawsuit to compel repairs has shifted from being a rare Robert Fulton’s successful steamboat occurrence to a mainstay of the LPC’s enforcement tools” p a g e 2 journey up the Hudson River. South Street Seaport was the only New York City site to make the “endangered” list. Last year the Historic Districts Council nominated the South Street Seaport to the list after General Growth Properties and the New York City Eco- nomic Development Corporation re- leased plans for Pier 17 that would alter the historic district by proposing over- size development and the dismantling and removal of the 1907 Tin Building – the birthplace of the Fulton Fish Mar- ket – to the far edge of the pier behind it. The plan called for the demolition of The Windermere HDC District Lines - Spring 2009 - page 2

Pe r s u i n g a n Ow n e r f o r Dem o l i t i o n -By- Ne g le c t : A To r t u o u s Le g a l Pa t h John Weiss, Deputy Counsel, NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission At a n y g i v e n t i m e there is a small universe of landmarks, either individual landmarks or buildings in historic districts, that are in disrepair. If the disrepair is serious, but localized, such as significant damage to a cornice, a Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) violation for failure to maintain the landmark is issued. In cases of extensive deterioration of multiple building elements, or severe damage that threatens a landmark’s structur- Ka t y a Pr o n i n , a m Ne w Yo rk al stability, like a partially collapsed Former Corn Exchange Bank, 125th Street and Park Avenue, Manhattan roof, the Commission will bring what The Commission has become much buildings, deteriorating properties are is commonly known as a demolition- more assertive in bringing these lawsuits. understandably disturbing to neighbors by-neglect lawsuit. The Commission During the Commission’s first 35 years, and others and take on a heightened brings such litigation in New York State only one demolition-by-neglect lawsuit local significance because of not only Supreme Court to obtain a court order was brought. (The owner of a decrepit the disrepair but also associated prob- compelling the owner to make immedi- row house in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill lems, such as the presence of rodents, ate repairs and pay monetary fines. The Historic District was sued, and, after accumulation of garbage and other legal basis for these lawsuits is the city’s she put a curse on the LPC general blight conditions. Consequently, these Landmarks Law requirement that des- counsel, the property was sold and the buildings can become priorities for ignated properties be kept in a condi- new owner promptly restored it). In the communities who want quick action. tion of good repair. next eight years (2000 through 2007) While the LPC also wants quick action, three more lawsuits were brought to the Commission has discovered that it court, and in 2008 alone the Commis- is the rare case where demolition-by- sion filed three demolition-by-neglect neglect is intentional or venal. More lawsuits. All three are currently active. often than not, the cause for the neglect One concerns the individual Manhat- is due to benign reasons – elderly or ill tan landmark known as The Wind- property owners, estate disputes, fore- ermere at Ninth Avenue and West 57th closures, and other problems. Street; another, the individual land- The act of filing a demolition-by- mark of the former Corn Exchange neglect lawsuit is similar to seeing only Bank at 125th Street and Park Avenue, the tip of an iceberg. Because the Com- also in Manhattan; and the third, a mission is more concerned about the row house in the Stuyvesant Heights landmark itself and would rather see Historic District in Brooklyn. At any an owner spend funds on repairs than given time the LPC has about 30 build- on legal fees, extensive efforts are made ings in various stages of the demoli- to have an owner voluntarily repair the tion‑by‑neglect process. Although very property at issue. Additionally, giving time-consuming, bringing a lawsuit to owners repeated notice of the need to compel repairs has shifted from being make repairs, and then an opportu- a rare occurrence to a mainstay of the nity to do so, is not only fair but are key Commission’s enforcement tools. components of the cases that end up in While the number of landmarks in court. HDC disrepair is small in light of the agen- Unfortunately, demolition‑by Bedell House, Tottenville, Staten Island cy’s regulation of more than 25,000 neglect cases are frequently hard to Historic Districts Council District Lines - Spring 2009 - page 3 prosecute. For instance, it is often dif- of Buildings and contractors from the ficult even to contact the owner of a Department of Housing Preservation HDC Tackles landmark in disrepair. In one case, after and Development. Big Topics at letters to the owner of a row house were Many of the owners of deteriorated returned as undeliverable, unsuccess- landmarks contacted by the Commis- 2009 Conference ful efforts to locate him included con- sion have their own, often sad, story Th e Hi s t o r i c Di s t r i c t s Co u n - tacting a hospital where he was once a that led them to the point of not being c i l ’s 2009 Co n f e r e n c e , “Commu- patient to learn who had checked him able, or willing, to maintain their his- nities & Cornices: Preservation out, speaking with a contractor who toric buildings, often for many years. in a Political World,” brought had worked on his house, hiring a pri- together preservation professionals vate investigator who visited his prior Editor’s Note - On May 21, 2009, the and elected officials to examine how addresses and interviewed neighbors, Windermere lawsuit was settled with the preservation ideology interfaces with and a search of death certificates to see owner paying a record $1.1 million financial the realities of politics and govern- if he had died. Eventually the owner penalty for violating the Landmarks Law, ment. Conclusions drawn through- contacted the LPC when he received a the largest financial penalty ever received out the day’s panel discussions made letter that the Social Security Admin- under the Landmarks Law. In addition, one thing incredibly clear: for better istration delivered for the Commis- the owner sold the Windermere and the new or worse, politics will directly affect sion after it realized that he might be owner has entered into a legal stipulation the outcome of community-based receiving Social Security benefits. It requiring it to comply with the Landmarks campaigns. turned out that the owner was living in Law and various orders issued by the judge On Friday, March 6, over 150 a homeless shelter in midtown Manhat- in the lawsuit which mandate very extensive preservationists attended the Open- tan. The property is now on the market repairs to the Windermere. The new owner ing Night Reception to toast recent with the expectation that a new owner has already filed plans with Landmarks successes and strategize for future will quickly make repairs. for shoring and bracing the Windermere endeavors. Held at the Puffin Room, Even after a lawsuit is filed, absen- and that work should be completed by mid- an art gallery within the SoHo Cast- tee ownership often creates problems. September. Iron Historic District, the reception In the lawsuit against the owner of The featured interactive science fair- Windermere complex, because the style presentations by Neighborhood owner is a Japanese corporation, service o u t h t e a p o r t Partners from every borough. Part- issues arose when the Landmarks Com- S S . S ners were able to collect petition sig- Continued from p. 1 mission wanted to file a motion that natures and circulate their literature may have required the personal ser- ple architecture and large open spaces throughout the evening, while guests vice to the owner in Tokyo of lengthy evocative of a working district. Rather admired displays and feted recent legal documents that would have had than allowing the buildings to speak for preservation accomplishments. to be translated into Japanese pursu- themselves of the history and character The Museum of the City of ant to the Hague Convention. The of the neighborhood, these projects will New York co-hosted the full Con- current Brooklyn case involves a land- hit the visitor and resident over the head ference on Saturday, March 7. Dick mark that is controlled by an estate with faux history and recreation. Dadey, executive director of the and was also foreclosed on, with one of Upon listing South Street Seaport Citizens Union, delivered the key- the defendants a Texas-based financial as one of the “Seven to Save,” the Pres- note address, “Civic Engagement in institution. ervation League cautioned that the New York: What Makes for Effec- These matters often take surpris- Seaport “illustrates the need for careful tive Issue Advocacy.” Drawing on ing turns before, or during, the course planning and stewardship of New York his experience as a longtime activ- of litigation. For instance, in the Corn State’s waterfront, especially within wa- ist in the environmental and LGBT Exchange litigation the owner recently terfront historic districts.” It is a dubi- rights movements, Mr. Dadey pre- filed for bankruptcy. In another case ous honor to be included on the “Seven sented five key steps for successful every time the derelict landmark was to Save.” We would much prefer that advocacy, called the “5 P’s”: Princi- about to be sold, a prior owner sued to the district was safe from inappropriate ples (one must remain true to one’s stop the sale. Eventually the property development and additions, leaving no principles), Purpose (one must seek was sold, and a new owner is now mak- reason to place it on the list. Nonethe- a specific action), Pragmatism (one’s ing extensive repairs. There have been less, it is HDC’s hope that the listing goals should be realistic), Politics (an staff people from multiple city agencies will draw attention to one of the city’s understanding of the political land- involved in an effort to have a landmark oldest, most notable historic districts scape is necessary) and People (issues repaired, including attorneys from and encourage thoughtful, careful the Office of the Corporation Coun- planning. Continued on p. 6 sel, engineers from the Department

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10 St e p s t o Mu ll : Vi s i o n s o f t h e Fu t u r e

Mi n e r v a Pa r t n e rs Participants in Preservation Vision’s January workshop, held at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan

“Pr e s e r v a t i o n Vi s i o n : NYC” was a individuals, not as institutional repre- “idea bank” of 102 items. These ideas recent yearlong project that invited sentatives answering for or advocat- – some new, some updated versions of interested citizens and preservation ing on behalf of their organization or familiar ideas, some already embraced practitioners to think about the whole group. by existing groups or individuals – were subject of preservation in relation to the To best maximize inclusion, glean gathered directly from participants as city’s future. By creating a temporary “big picture” insights and encourage recommendations to generate forward forum to consider its long-term goals, candor, many conduits for exchange momentum. this project asked members of the city’s were created and often professionally Having synthesized all the dis- preservation community to submit, dis- facilitated – an anonymous survey, a cussions and contributions generated cuss and develop their most compel- series of roundtables, a weekend retreat, throughout this project, the authors of ling ideas about historic preservation a one-day workshop. Between January the report made several general obser- in order to help solve the most pressing 2008 and January 2009, nearly 500 par- vations about the preservation field and issues facing New York City’s threat- ticipants (including many HDC direc- its prospects. Issues such as capacity, ened historic resources. tors, advisers and staff) contributed leadership, prioritization of ideas and The project was launched in their thoughts. In the end, no effort goals are among the other topics dis- January 2008 – you might remember the was made by the project coordinators to cussed in the report. survey at last year’s HDC Preservation predict, edit or improve what emerged. One final major finding of the proj- Conference – and at the end of February Across all phases of this project, 10 ect is that the preservation field stands 2009 it concluded with the publication key categories emerged as areas in need at an important juncture. There may of the final report, which may be of action by the preservation field in be a window of opportunity over the downloaded at www.preservationvision- New York City over the next 25 years. next three to five years with the con- nyc.org. Those categories, in order of priority, vergence of economic realities, federal As a strategy, the Preservation are: stimulus investments in social and envi- Vision project sought to create a forum 1. Address environmental sustainability ronmental sectors and growing public for professionals and interested indi- 2. Undertake serious research concern for issues related to sustain- viduals to discuss the future of the 3. Expand incentives ability. This opportunity should be preservation movement. Once this was 4. Implement more land-use regulations used to lay the foundation on which the established, the primary goal of the proj- 5. Strengthen the Landmarks Law preservation movement will meet its ect was to harvest the ideas that arose. 6. Contribute to community livability new challenges. An inclusive process, Preservation 7. Focus messaging and branding As originally conceived, the Pres- Vision asked only two requirements of 8. Expand alliances and diversity ervation Vision project provided a its volunteer participants. First, they 9. Identify new sources of funding temporary dialogue. The results of were reminded to think beyond the 10. Enhance preservation education this conversation are submitted to the pressing issues, realities and limitations In the findings section of the final preservation community with the hope of today to consider the broad goals report, recommended action items are that they constitute a first step, at best, and possibilities of tomorrow. Second, summarized under these major catego- toward identifying issues for further they were encouraged to contribute as ries to comprise a Preservation Vision debate and action.

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Mo v i n g Fo r w a r d : HDC’s Le a g u e o f Pr ese r v a t i o n Vo t e r s their neighborhoods significant. All League efforts are nonpartisan and spe- cifically target City Council elections. Following a successful string of LPV campaigns this past February, HDC is now recruiting new and diverse community groups throughout the city to participate in local League coalitions and help shape the discussion. Issues and focuses vary from district to district and reflect the individual interests HDC of the local groups involved. HDC has designed a small lapel button to help By reaching out to candidates and League members declare themselves proud preser- constituents in all 51 City Council Dis- vationists. Contact HDC to get yours. tricts, HDC hopes this initiative will No v e m b e r ’s m u n i c i p a l e l e c t i o n s are help establish neighborhood preser- fast approaching, and the Historic vation as a key issue throughout the Districts Council will be launching campaign season. As with past efforts, its League of Preservation Voters on each Preservation Voters coalition will a citywide scale. From The Bronx to develop a Voter Guide addressing top Staten Island, the next few months will local concerns, and some will host a HDC be spent rallying neighborhood activ- candidate forum prior to the September Charlotte Rothblatt, the youngest preservationist, ists and empowering the preservation primaries. Please visit www.hdc.org/ sporting HDC’s LPV button movement all across the five boroughs . preservationvoters.htm for an updated The Preservation Voters initiative calendar of events. educates communities and elected offi- To join the League of Preservation cials alike on important preservation Voters initiative in your council district, DISTRICT issues, facilitating partnerships between please contact Lauren Belfer, HDC’s both groups to help them better pre- community coordinator: [email protected] LINES serve the historic resources that make or 212-614-9107. news and views of the historic districts council

editor - Katrina Miles art and production - Kristen Morith editorial consultant - Jack Taylor contributors - Simeon Bankoff, Lauren Belfer, Kirstin Sechler, Frampton Tolbert, John Weiss, Deputy Counsel, NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, Na d e z h d a Wi l l i a m s . Special thanks to David Goldfarb. s t a f f - Si m e o n Ba n k o f f , Ex e c u t i v e Di r e c t o r Fr a m p t o n To l b e r t , De p u t y Di r e c t o r La u r e n Be l f e r , Co m m u n i t y Co o r d i n a t o r Kr i s t e n Mo r i t h , Na d e z h d a Wi l l i a m s , Pr e s e r v a t i o n As s o c i a t e s

n o p a r t o f t h i s p e r i o d i c a l m a y b e r e p r o d u c e d w i t h o u t t h e c o n s e n t o f t h e h i s t o r i c d i s t r i c t s c o u n c i l .

Th e Hi s t o r i c Di s t r i c t s Co u n c i l w o r k s t o e n s u r e t h e preservatio n o f s i g n i f i c a n t h i s t o r i c n e i g h b o r h o o d s , b u i l d i n g s a n d p u b l i c s p a c e s i n Ne w Yo r k Ci t y , u p h o l d t h e i n t e g r i t y o f HDC t h e Ne w Yo r k Ci t y La n d m a r k s La w a n d Guests at HDC’s Auction for Advocacy mingle in the former banking hall of the Canadian Imperial f u r t h e r t h e preservatio n e t h i c . Bank in Manhattan’s financial district. Over 100 guests were in attendance and the event raised over $7,000 for the League of Preservation Voters initiative.

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featured no specific preservation initia- 2009 Conference tives, preservation and environmental Continued from page 3 groups defeated an amendment which would have weakened review under the National Environmental Protection Act. This illustrated the need for legislative advocacy to not only seek to reform, but to protect. On a national level, this is especially important as most of the environmental protection and preservation laws were passed during a very progressive era in government, which is not the case today. On a local level, Mr. Silberman not- ed the trade-offs which were necessary to amend and strengthen the New York City Landmarks Law. As an example, Je ss e Wa rd when passing the Civil Fines Enforce- Partnerships and Preservation: Working with Elected Representatives panel. From left to right: Katrina ment legislation during the Guiliani Miles, John Sabini, James F. Brennan and Nellie Longsworth. administration, the Landmarks Com- require human faces). battles pit residents against construc- mission had to discontinue its policy Mr. Dadey concluded by chal- tion workers; since union jobs depend of withholding permission for new per- lenging the audience to make historic on large-scale development projects, mits until violations were corrected. preservation a broader public interest. he suggested that “government needs Mr. Silberman added the difficulty Why should New Yorkers outside of to promote public works and develop- of negotiating legislative change with a the landmarks community care, and ment in a balanced, stabilizing manner, City Council which doesn’t necessarily moreover, why should elected officials so construction unions are less depen- understand or appreciate historic pres- care? These are essential questions that dent on the private sector.” Mr. Sabini ervation. He highlighted the important must be addressed for the preservation agreed that development money affects role that advocates play in educating movement to be successful. Mr. Dadey community preservation efforts, archly elected officials. With regard to propos- advised that the secret to success is adding, “Real estate is to New York als to make the consideration of poten- finding common ideological ground what oil is to Texas.” tial landmarks more transparent, Mr. upon which the city’s diverse interests Speaking from his own experience, Silberman spoke at length about inter- and parties can unite. Mr. Sabini said, “as an Italian-Amer- nal LPC deliberations when consid- Similar themes were carried ican kid from Queens, [historical fig- ering potential landmarks. He stated throughout the day’s panels, as guest ures like] Peter Stuyvesant and John that before they are brought before the speakers drew upon their unique expe- Jacob Astor had little relevance to my commissioners for consideration, sev- riences and perspectives to discuss life,” and it was through his work on eral steps of research and outreach must how preservation activists could best the Landmarks Subcommittee of City take place. Mr. Silberman wryly added succeed. Council that he grew to better appreci- that when people nominate buildings The first panel, moderated by HDC ate preservation concerns. for designation, they usually look for Director Katrina Miles, examined the As legislative change is often the approval; and warned that putting a interplay between elected officials and goal of activism, the next panel focused stricter timeline on agency decision- activists. Panelists included former on specific legal means to pursue pres- making would likely result in more out- New York City Council Member and ervation goals. Elizabeth Merritt, right rejections of proposals. State Senator John Sabini of Queens, Deputy General Counsel, National New York State Assemblymember Trust for Historic Preservation; James James Brennan of Brooklyn, and Nel- Tripp, General Counsel, Environmen- lie Longsworth, past president of the tal Defense Fund; and Mark Silber- Sa v e t h e Da t e ! national advocacy organization Preser- man, Chief Counsel, New York City LandmarksLion Award vation Action. Landmarks Preservation Commission, Honoring Both Brennan and Sabini spoke can- joined moderator David Goldfarb, Reverend Dr. Thomas F. Pike didly about the economic role of devel- attorney and former HDC president, opment in preservation campaigns. for a spirited conversation. October 28, 2009 Rep. Brennan highlighted the polariza- Ms. Merritt discussed the recently- tion which happens when development adopted stimulus package. Although it

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The Mayoral Candidates Since the priorities of the mayor balance better, but I also think we have As mayor, how will you make the most directly dictate the agendas of to do it not one building at a time. I agencies responsible for the city’s phys- the city’s agencies and authorities, really do think that we need to have a ical fabric– the Landmarks Preser- HDC invited all five main mayoral conversation about what kind of a city vation Commission, the Department candidates to present to Conference we want to have. Part of the challenge of City Planning, the Department of attendees their thoughts on preserva- that we have is we have this binary con- Buildings and the Parks Department tion in New York City. Three accepted versation: Should this go here at this – more transparent in their decisions and attended the March 7 event: City time, yes or no? When I think we’d have and more responsive to ordinary New Councilmember Tony Avella (D), Bill a much more healthy conversation to Yorkers? “Reverend Billy” Talen (Green) and say, What type of a community do we Avella: “If [a developer with known Congressman Anthony Weiner (D). want to construct?” building permit infractions] goes and Comptroller William Thompson (D) As mayor, how will you balance buys another piece of property, and declined to attend, though his cam- the economic and housing needs of New submits a permit request, the city will paign office has since contacted HDC York City without sacrificing the social give him another permit. How stupid to discuss the city’s preservation issues. and spiritual necessities of maintaining is this, as a city, that we don’t say to Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) did not the character of our neighborhoods? these unscrupulous developers, ‘That’s respond to HDC’s invitation. Avella: “I think the it, you’re done. You so proved yourself HDC Executive Director Simeon first thing you do to be incapable of following the law, Bankoff posed the same questions to is making sure that that we now are prohibiting you from each candidate in attendance. Portions neighborhoods are doing construction in the city of New of their responses are quoted below. To properly zoned, so York.’ ” listen to their appearances in full, please that where a neigh- Talen: “It seems to me that the pres- visit www.hdc.org/Conference2009. borhood needs to be ervation movement in this city, where htm#audio contextually zoned the movement began in this city, has As mayor, what will you do to or downzoned to protect the quality always been at odds with the fact that stem the inappropriate development of the neighborhood, we do that […] year in and year out our biggest donors which is ruining our city’s historic The second thing is telling the devel- to the major candidates are real estate neighborhoods? opers and working with them, saying speculators. Not just the top donor, Avella: “Reforming the public listen, here’s where we’re doing pres- but the top ten donors. That must end review process, reforming the Board of ervation, but we’ll give you opportuni- […] The government’s job is to defend Standards & Appeals, but actually I’m ties in conjunction and consultation neighborhoods; the government’s job is going to eliminate the Board of Stan- with neighborhoods as to where to do to defend the memory of our city.” dards & Appeals, the agency will be development.” Weiner: “I think that gone. The legitimate functions that the Talen: “The way we measure hous- these infrastructures Board of Standards & Appeals has can ing units and the way that we measure are intentionally for- easily be handled by two other agen- dollars exchanged, these indices are sus- bidding to normal cies, the Department of City Planning pect. Prosperity comes from a healthy citizens […] I would and the Department of Buildings. That neighborhood. In a healthy neighbor- livestream all of the old boys’ network for developers has to hood, we take care of each other […] meetings. I would let absolutely go.” People are making their economies people participate. Talen: “The right now out of successful neighbor- I would make sure that the records g o v er n m ent hoods that have that human stamp.” are not only put online, but digitized. must no longer Weiner: “I think that we have the Which means not just making a .pdf be a partner of opportunity to make more fuller use that you can scroll through and read, the real estate of public housing resources. I think but you digitize it so people can insert speculators and that we have to do a much better job comments and insert commentary, and developers, the in cataloguing and making use of the you can aggregate people’s thoughts in big mega-cor- brownfields in existence in the city that a way that makes it more of a commu- porations financed by Wall Street. That just sit as sores in our communities for nity square.” neighborhoods are an underexploited no better reason than just we can’t untie Editor’s Note: After his appearance at the market that they move in and colonize, the legal thicket of who is responsible HDC Conference in March, Congressman that basic economic, political equation to deal with it [...] New York City is Weiner issued a statement announcing that he must end.” what it is because of the nature of its will not run for mayor in the November 2009 Weiner: “We have to do that neighborhoods.” election. a l l p h o t o s : Je ss e Wa rd Historic Districts Council District Lines - Spring 2009 - page 8

2009 Gr a ss r o o t s Aw a r d s Wi n n e r s On Th u rsd a y , Ma y 7, the Historic Districts Council hosted its 2009 Grassroots Awards Ceremony and 19th Annual Preservation Party. Despite the threat of rain, over 200 preservationists and neighborhood advocates came out for what turned out to be a beautiful and warm spring evening. The garden of St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery once again proved the perfect venue. Honorees hailed from all five boroughs, and their work represented a diverse range of preservation efforts in New York City. From individual restoration projects to decades-long campaigns for landmarking, the 2009 Grassroots awardees represent exemplary ingenuity and dedication in community-based advocacy. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with us!

David Carnivale has been a prac- The Ridgewood Property Own- ticing architect and a voice for historic ers & Civic Association has served preservation on Staten Island for more the Ridgewood community for the last than 20 years. His love of historic build- 78 years. It addresses neighborhood ings was nurtured by a childhood spent issues dealing with the community’s at Historic Richmond Town, learn- overall quality of life, and in particular ing the principles of restoration from Ridgewood’s parks, street trees, hous- the late Loring McMillen, founder of ing, zoning, security, transit and lo- Richmondtown, and his son, master cal retail. Today there are nearly 700 carpenter William McMillen. Over the member families. The association has years, Mr. Carnivale’s passion for older long fought to preserve the historic houses has been translated into sev- character of the neighborhood, which eral preservation successes for some of consists largely of early-20th-century Staten Island’s oldest structures, such brick row houses with a variety of archi- as the 1678 Lakeman-Cortelyou-Taylor tectural detailing. In 1983, after several House in New Dorp, as well as the lat- years of staff work by its sister organi- er c. 1836 Seaman Cottage, which was zation the Greater Ridgewood Restora- saved from demolition and relocated to tion Corporation, Ridgewood became Historic Richmond Town. Mr. Carni- the largest residential district in New vale is also the author of “The Afford- Fe r n Lu sk i n York State on the National Register of able House,” an online and print publi- Fern Luskin & Julie Finch Historic Places, with 2,892 properties cation that offers architectural plans in Friends of Gibbons U.G.R.R. Site listed. More recently, through the asso- historical styles. and Lamartine Place, a volunteer group ciation’s efforts, the Landmarks Pres- led by Fern Luskin and Julie Finch, was ervation Commission calendared 96 of formed to advocate for the protection these six-family buildings, known as and preservation of Lamartine Place, the Matthews Flats, as part of the pro- a collection of historic houses on West posed Ridgewood North Historic Dis- 29th Street between Eighth and Ninth trict, and 210 buildings as the proposed Avenues in Manhattan. These lots, de- Ridgewood South Historic District. veloped in 1847, were the site of remark- The community looks forward to addi- able occurrences in American history. tional designations of this worthy area The group also strongly pushed for the in the near future. individual landmarking of 339 West 29th Street, the former home of the crusad- ing abolitionist/activist Hopper-Gib- bons family. The Friends researched and documented the street’s connection to the Underground Railroad and its significance to abolitionist and New York history. In 2008 they submitted this research to the Landmarks Preservation

Ay u m i Ta m a k i Commission, which promptly calen- Architect David Carnivale and Jim Ferreri, HDC dared 12 buildings on West 29th Street Ay u m i Ta m a k i advisor and president of the Preservation League for official consideration as an historic The Ridgewood Property Owners & Civic Association of Staten Island. district. with HDC’s Simeon Bankoff and Paul Graziano

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City Councilmember Vincent J. Gentile received the Friend in High Places Award for his longtime preservation efforts throughout the 43rd Coun- cil District. Councilman Gentile was elected to the City Council in 2003 and represents the south Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and part of Bensonhurst. Shortly after taking office, he formed Councilmember Gentile’s Preservation

Ay u m i Ta m a k i Committee, a group of advocates who Denham Wolf Real Estate Services accepting the help him make community preservation Award a top priority in his district. Through the committee he achieved a successful contextual rezoning of more than 400 blocks of Bay Ridge in 2005 and Dyker Heights in 2007. Working with the Historic Districts Council in 2007, a m Ne w Yo rk AmNewYork’s “10 to Save” Issue he spearheaded a zoning survey of the Bath Beach neighborhood to protect the low-rise character of the area. The Councilmember has also campaigned for the preservation of numerous individual buildings, among them the Ben- nett-Farrell-Feldman House, the former Bay Ridge High School, Bay Ridge United Methodist Church and the Sen- ator Street National Register District, and he continues to press for the reuse, restoration and preservation of historic structures.

Be y e r Bl i n d e r Be l l e Ar c h i t e c t s & Pl a nn e r s The BankNote The American Bank Note Com- Ay u m i Ta m a k i pany Printing Plant, a prominent in- Rolando Pujol of amNY & HDC’s Simeon Bankoff dustrial complex located in the Hunts Point neighborhood of The Bronx, was amNewYork, a free daily print originally constructed as a printing fa- publication and online blog, received cility for foreign currencies and govern- this year’s Friend from the Media ment bonds. In January 2008, Taconic Award. Managing editor Rolando Pujol Investment Partners and Denham has made community preservation a top Wolf Real Estate Services purchased priority for amNew York, launching a the property, now known as The Ban- separate feature entitled “Endangered kNote, with the intent to renovate and NYC.” Recent articles have addressed restore the buildings into a mixed-use such important campaigns as the ef- commercial and retail facility. Since forts to save Saint Saviour’s Church in purchasing the buildings, the owners Queens, 1520 Sedgewick Avenue in The have been consistent advocates for the Bronx (also known as the birthplace of preservation of The BankNote’s signifi- hip-hop) and the Con Ed Powerhouse in cant history and architecture. Last year Brooklyn. In 2006, amNewYork initi- the Landmarks Preservation Commis- ated an annual “Ten to Save” list, which sion designated the complex as a New Ay u m i Ta m a k i highlights significant threatened build- York City individual landmark. Councilmember Vincent J. Gentile ings across New York City. Historic Districts Council District Lines - Spring 2009 - page 10

Re c e n t Gi f t s Municipal Art Society, The Maray Company, Carmosino, March & Philip North Shore Waterfront Nelligan White Architects, Cavanaugh, Adele Chatfield- a n d Gr a n t s Greenbelt, Preservation Thoresen & Linard Taylor, Carol Clark & Kyle League of Staten Island, Architects, Stephen Tilly Johnson, Heide-Rose Cleary, Al l c o n t r i b u t i o n s by Professional Archaeologists Architect, West New York Kenneth R. Cobb, Elizabeth government, foundations, of New York City*, Prospect Restoration of CT, Winter A. Coleman, Carola Collier, organizations, companies Park South Association, Hill Associates Fleurette Colucci, Janette and Friends of the Historic Richmond Hill Historical Cooke & Water Bembenista, Districts Council are very Society, Stuyvesant Park Friends: Lisa Ackerman, Jane Cowan, James S. Davis, much appreciated. Every Neighborhood Association, Thomas Agnew, Daniel J. Thomas De Martini, Marie effort has been made to list Sunnyside Gardens Allen, David Alquist, Peter De Palma, Carole De Saram donors accurately. Many Preservation Alliance, Anderson, O. Kelly Anderson & Ray Erickson, Cezar Del thanks to those who gave in Sutton Area Community, Jr., Edward D. Andrews, Valle, Georgia Delano, Ann the period from December 10th & Stuyvesant Streets Charlotte P. Armstrong, Cynthia Diamond, Toni 2008 through March 2009: Block Association, West Jean Arrington, John Austin, Ann DiMaggio, Matthew Brighton Restoration, West Tony Avella, Joyce A. Dionne, E. G. Dooley, Government: New York Frances A. Eberhart, Bruce City Councilmembers L. Ehrmann, Elizabeth Ely, Vincent J. Gentile, Jessica S. Mark Emerson, Barbara Lappin, Rosie Mendez and Epstein & Kevin McEvoy, the Manhattan Delegation; Richard Estes, Mimi Findlay, New York City Department David Ford, Wendy Frank, of Cultural Affairs; New York Stephen Friedman, Alice & State Assemblymembers Thomas Fucigna, Ann Walker Deborah J. Glick and Richard Gaffney, & Bronson Binger, N. Gottfried; New York State Lisa & Michael Gannon, Senators Thomas K. Duane, Roberta Gardner, John Liz Krueger, Andrew J. Lanza Gargan, Joannie Geraghty, and Diane J. Savino. Steve Gertz, Mark Goldberg, Elizabeth & David Goldfarb, Organizations: Auburndale Rena & Richard E. Golub, Improvement Association, Lorna & David Goodrich, Beaux Arts Alliance, Beverly Susan & Marc Gottridge, Square West Association, HDC Christabel Gough, Crista Brooklyn Heights Andrew Berman gives a tour of the South Village as part of HDC’s Grauer, Mary L. & Bradford Association, Carnegie Hill Annual Conference, “Communities and Cornices” M. Greene, Ann Hadley, Neighbors, Central Park End Preservation Society, Baldassarri, Ann Barason, Jo Hamilton, Susan Harris, Conservancy, Concerned West 54-55 Street Block Penelope Bareau, Sharon Lucile & Bernard Helfat, Citizens of Laurelton, Association, West Village Barnes, Hilary Beattie, Christina Hembree, Claus Crown Heights North Committee Brigitte Miriam Bedos- W. Hirsch, Victoria Hofmo, Association, Ditmas Park Rezak & Ira Rezac, Warren Ethel Holtermann, Susan Association, Douglaston/ Companies: B & H Bender, Judith I. & Joel J. S. Hopper, Michael Hoyt, Little Neck Historical Art-in-Architecture, Berger, Andrew Berman, Karen Huebner*, Elizabeth Society, The Drive to Protect Bresnan Architects, Brisk Dennis Bertland, Deborah Ellis & Elliot S. Hurwitt, the Ladies’ Mile District, Waterproofing, Central Bezahler, Rebecca Binno John Hutchinson, Kim & Fiske Terrace Association, Construction Management, & Harley Savage, Jeffrey Jason Isaly, Joan Jacobson, Floyd Bennett Field Task Cutsogeorge Tooman Borer, Nancy B. & Anthony Judie Janney, Lucy Jeffers, Force, Friends of Terra Cotta, & Allen, Ed Tristram C. Bowe, Allyson Bowen, Linda C. Jones, Mersedeh Friends of the Upper East Associates, Fradkin & Alfred H. Brand, Peter Bray, Jorjani*, David I. Karabell, Side Historic Districts, McAlpin Associates, Galison Christopher Brazee, Thomas Daniel Karatzas, Audrey Gramercy Neighborhood Books/GMG Publishing Brett, Norman I. Brock, Sisson Kasha, Claudia Associates, The Green- Corporation, Higgins, Albert K. Butzel, Catherine Kavenagh, Laurie Kefalidis, Wood Cemetery, Jackson Quasebarth & Partners, Jan Cahill & William Bernhard, Joy Kieras, John Kilcullen, Heights Garden City Society, Hird Pokorny Associates, Rosanne Cahn, Ralph Edward S. Kirkland, Mr. &

Historic Districts Council District Lines - Spring 2009 - page 11

Mrs. Robert J. Kornfeld Sr., Shepherd, Patricia B. & Greg Anne Kriken, Mr. & Mrs. Sherwood, Jay Shockley, Mary Henrik Krogius, Margaret Shuford, Bruce A. Silberblatt, Latimer, Bernice K. Leber Teri Slater, Aaron Sosnick, & David Rosenberg, Joseph Patricia & Walter South, LePique, David J. Lesenger, Beverly Moss Spatt, Monica Brenda Levin, Sandra & Stabin, Susan W. Stachelberg, Alan Levine, Steven Levine, David Steinberger, Meryl Barbara & Herbert Levy, Jan Stoller, Joseph Svehlak, Levy, Meredith Lewin, Barry Maryanne Taddeo, Jack S. Lewis, Jack Linn, John G. Taylor, Bess Terry, Barbara Lipsett, Jennifer C. Loftus, & Donald Tober, Susan Christopher W. London, Tunick, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Vincent M. Love, Kim HDC Unger, Philip Van Aver, Lovejoy, Monica MacAdams Preservation Lobby Day 2009 James Van Westering, Doris & Michael C. Smith, Michael Oder, Marc Odrich, Patricia Alice Rich-Lewis, Arlyne Walton & David Epner, Markowitz, Marissa Marvelli, Oliva, Vals Osborne, Virginia F. Rochlin, Joan V. Rome, Larry J. Warshaw, Joan A. Katrina Maxtone-Graham, L. Parkhouse, Edward B. Norma & Joseph Rosenberg, Watters, Avrom S. Waxman, Paula Maylahn & Richard Parran & Jim Guidera, Melissa Rosner, Diane A. Westra, Michael D. D. Foster, Rachel C. McBeth, Caroline Pasion, Marianne Russell, Carl Rutberg, Anna White, Christina Wilkinson, Lys McLaughlin & Rev. & Brian Percival, Mary Ann & John Ryan, Stephen Richard Winn III, Norma Thomas F. Pike, William O’Leary Perkins, Jeanette Saitas, Charles Savage, Gary Sue Wolfe, Anthony C. F. Megevick Jr., Ronald L. & Stuart Pertz, Jacqueline Scharfman, Julia Schoeck, Wood, Kate Wood & David Melichar, Marjorie Melikian, Peu-Duvallon & Mason V. Ellen Schroeter, Marcia Sprouls, Suzanne Wray, Joyce A. Mendelsohn, Janet C. Stark, William E. Pfeiffer Schumann, Herbert J. Sybil Young, Linda Yowell, Carol Miceli & Michael Jr., Joan Poggioli & William Schwarz Jr., David Seeley, Barbara Zahler-Gringer, Janet G. Tekel, Norman Mintz, Kadlec, Warrie Lynn Price, Pat Seeumpornroj, Patricia & Howard Zimmerman, Dianne Modestini, Benika Rosamond Putnam, Judith Bakwin Selch, Peter J. Anonymous (1). Morokuma*, Craig Morrison, Glazer Raymo, Laurie & Serritella, David M. Shanton *In memory of Dorothy Miner Mary Jane Murphy, Norman Marc Reisch, Betty Reiser, & Randy A. Sandlin, Barnett

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Historic Districts Council DISTRICT LINES

In this issue

p. 1 “Endangered” South Street Seaport Makes Seven to Save List

p. 2 Pursuing an Owner for Demolition-by-Neglect: A Torturous Legal Path

p. 3 HDC Tackles Big Topics at 2009 Conference

p. 4 10 Steps to Mull: Visions of the Future

p. 5 Moving Forward: HDC’s League of Preservation Voters

p. 7 The Mayoral Candidates • p .8 2009 Grassroots Awards

p. 10 Recent Gifts and Grants

HDC Claudia Kavenagh speaking at HDC’s continuing education program, “Conservation Methods and Case Studies for Historic Buildings,” on April 22nd

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