Senator Hoylman-Sigal's Letter to Bayview to Replace Historic Terracotta Panels

Dear Commissioners Knight and Moy:

We are writing in connection with 550 West 20^th Street, the former Bayview Women’s Correctional Facility, located within our districts, to urge Empire State Development (ESD) and the NYS Office of General Services (OGS) restore and replace the historic terracotta plaques on the building as soon as possible.

Severl months ago, the majority of the historic terracotta plaques were removed, apparently without the oversight of the New York State Preservation Office (SHPO).

To ensure the preservation of these historic elements important to the local community, we urge ESD and OGB to undertake the following, in consultation with Community Board 4 and SHPO:

1. Expand the scope of the current project to restore and replace the terracotta plaques as soon as possible, instead of waiting for a developer to carry out the restoration work as part of the RFP;

3. Replace the plaques with terracotta material, not an alternative, and restore as much of the original material as possible;

4. Support listing 550 West 20^th Street on the State and National Register of Historic Places; and

5. Provide us with a written timeline to meet these goals.

We look forward to continued collaboration as we move forward to meet the important goals of developing supportive and affordable housing while also protecting and recognizing the historical significance of this building.  Please contact any of our offices if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,                                 

Brad Hoylman-Sigal, State Senator, District 47                                                
Tony Simone,  Assembly Member, District 75                
Erik Bottcher, Council Member, District 3