Senator Hoylman's Testimony Before the New York City Council on Intro. 775

September 9, 2015

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today regarding Intro. 775. I represent 18 important historic districts in Manhattan, hundreds of buildings that have been landmarked and hundreds more that are under consideration for landmark status. 

I strongly oppose this bill in its current form. The goal of simplifying the process for landmarking in New York City should not come at the cost of preventing the preservation of buildings worthy of landmark protection under the guise of reform.

 Numerous sites which deserve serious consideration for landmark designation could be demolished as developers attempt to run out the clock on the LPC timetable for consideration and make use of the five year period during which a building or area would then be off limits for designation. Moreover, the bill forces the Landmarks Preservation Commission to operate on a stricter timeline without equipping the Commission with additional resources that would help it complete designations within the allotted period.

In order to help preserve the historic nature of New York City’s neighborhoods, I respectfully ask my colleagues in the City Council to reject this bill and find a solution to the LPC backlog that does not endanger buildings worthy of preservation. Nothing short of the preservation of our city's history is at stake. I appreciate your time and consideration, and thank you again for the opportunity to comment.