Residents who live near the former Bank of Manhattan building in Queens Plaza — known for its clock tower — are pushing to see the structure landmarked.
Matthew Chrislip and Michael Hall recently came before Queens Community Board 1 seeking support for their efforts.
"We both fell in love with the Clock Tower building — we both pass it everyday. Its presence on Queens Plaza sort of can't be denied," said Hall, who has a background in historical and sustainable architecture.
Hall said they were inspired to start their campaign after witnessing the rapid development taking place in the neighborhood.
"It seemed like every block around Queens Plaza has construction projects going," he said.
They sent a request to the Landmarks Preservation Commission this spring asking the agency to evaluate the site. The LPC is reviewing the building, according to a spokeswoman.
6 comments:
Falling in love with a historic site don't mean squat. LPC does not give a crap about Queens so they will find the site not worthy of landmark status. End of story.
Don't be so quick.
Its not a land clearance project like a smaller building would face - even one that is designated (and we are not naming names). A lot of criticism has been leveled at displacement of everything so this would be a bone.
That they are two guys with no background in preservation will certainly be in their favor. This is no sudden groundswell in a area virulent in its opposition to any community preservation program.
And perhaps there is a lot more under the surface players here than we care to admit.
We cant give this landmark status. There is the 15,438th run-down brownstone in brooklyn that needs to be landmarked first.
Well it's a start! Whatever the outcome, residents of Queens need to challenge the LPC to landmark more in Queens. We have to be annoying and persistent. Maybe a rally or protest in front of 1 Centre Street in Manhattan???!!!
Anonymous said...
We cant give this landmark status. There is the 15,438th run-down brownstone in brooklyn that needs to be landmarked first.
Actually, there is a smokestack in Brooklyn that is in the process...... (see Daily News)
When unkowns are taken seriously you know its a set up. Remember that unknown guy that gave Dutch Kills Green its name?
They are getting a lot of heat in bulldozing LIC into oblivion. This is a bone tossed to us.
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