Losses Compounding for Preservationists in New York

"One downtown preservation group claims that New York has reached the 'end of the landmarks approval process' with one crucial decision this week," according to an article by Audrey Wachs.

"At Tuesday’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), the commission voted 8–2 to approve a building plan on Gansevoort Street between Greenwich and Washington streets. Some neighborhood activists, though, are not happy about the plan," adds Wachs to describe the specific circumstances leading to the outcry.

The article includes details about the proposed plan that upset local preservationists. Developer William Gottlieb Real Estate and Aurora Capital has proposed a plan to modify 60-68 Gansevoort and 70-74 Gansevoort—"two market buildings that date from the late 19th century (but have been modified substantially over time) and are some of the last vestiges of this type of commercial architecture in New York."

The organization Save Gansevort takes exception with the approval of the proposal by the LPC. In a statement following the ruling, Saving Gansevort used strong words to describe the implications of the decision, calling it "the latest sign that unrestricted development is killing the unique character of so many of our city’s most beautiful neighborhoods" and "disconcerting that even our landmarked areas are no longer protected."

Wachs also reports on a city bill also approved this week that expedites the LPC's landmarks approval process. Properties taking to long to move to a vote can now be removed from consideration.