Historical Society Renovations Challenged

By Staff Reporter of the Sun | March 21, 2007

Proponents of the proposed exterior renovation at the New York Historical Society yesterday faced accusations that the project was part of a larger-scale plan to put up an adjacent 23-story glass apartment tower. At a Landmark Preservation Commission public hearing, dozens of preservation advocates and Upper West Side residents spoke out against society's renovation plan that includes significantly widening the main entrance, adding wheelchair-accessible ramps, replacing windows, and building two outdoor kiosks in front of the neoclassical landmark building at 170 Central Park West. Some referred to the project a "Trojan Horse" that would usher in a residential tower that the society has expressed interest in building. The Landmark Preservation Commission yesterday postponed voting on the society's proposal, and commissioners said another public hearing would be scheduled. No date was set for that hearing.