Monday, January 29, 2007

Demolition Review Legislation

Wouldn't it be nice if NYC adopted legislation proposed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that says that any building older than 50 years of age must be reviewed by a preservation commission?

Protecting Potential Landmarks Through Demolition Review

It will never happen, however, because the City Council has been bought with real estate money and the LPC never came across a Queens building that it felt should be spared from the bulldozer. Any effort to stop the destruction of our borough is always quickly squelched.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I could see them sign it into law, then go ahead and demolish buildings on flimsy excuses.

Just like a show trial in a totalitian state.

Besides, we already have a landmarks law that should protect things, but that is only good for wealthy people with access.

Anonymous said...

Rather than stating that such legislation will never come into effect, I feel it's best to remain optimistic. That will fuel our attempts and a proactive approach to get it underway. Let's start launching a campaign!

Anonymous said...

City Councilman Tony Avella recently tried to introduce a similar law to apply in our city. It didn't seem to make it on the books! What a pity. He was years ahead of his collegues on preservation and quality of life issues. I'd like to see him win his Mayoral bid. A lot of the politico/building industry people dislike him for voicing his honest opinions and caring about the neighborhoods that comprise NYC.

Anonymous said...

I used to think that Councilman Avella was a champion of the people but a recent development has me wondering. Three years ago, Avella united the communities of North Queens to protest a huge project planned for the College Point Corporate Park that would have increased traffic and pollution in the area.

Where is Avella now? The NY Times printing plant is expanding and bringing along with this expansion 800 jobs (being imported from New Jersey) and potentially greater traffic and environmental issues.

His office was aware of this major construction project since the beginning of the year yet he has remained unusually quiet. The lesson learned? TRUST NO POLITICIAN!!!

Anonymous said...

That was not intended a a political commercial for Avella! For Mayor. It was a personal observation. He at least tried to do something. It failed. At least an attempt was made. I never completely trust any politico.

Anonymous said...

I agree m.p. As the song goes: "Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and don't settle for Mr. In- between"! What a bunch of wet blankets out there!

Anonymous said...

"Rather than stating that such legislation will never come into effect, I feel it's best to remain optimistic."

Hello? We have legislation to protect builidings. It is called the LPC law. What is the point in spending time going after something is a culture that will not give it teeth, or provide enforcement?

I do not hope for the lottery, I work hard for a paycheck.

Anonymous said...

m.p. you have a great future in preservation. You are the perfect profile for the type of person the Manhattan crowd will nominate someday to be one of the 'official' spokeman for Queens to keep troublesome grass-roots types on our side of the river and out of the press (except, of course, to lampoon them).

Good job, keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

That last guy should stop posting unless he straightens out his logic circuit board. Does any one know what he's saying?