Letters to the Editor
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
‘Showdown Over Construction’
Thank you to The New York Sun for “Showdown Today Over Construction of 32-Unit Glass Building in Village” and other examples of your extensive coverage of issues in New York City’s neighborhoods [David Lombino, New York, March 6, 2006]. However, one glaring error in this article must be corrected.
Neither the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, nor any opponent of the proposed 11-story undulating glass tower at 122 Greenwich Ave. that I have heard, is arguing that the parking lot should be kept on this site. In fact, many would like to see the site, which is adjacent to a small park that attracts the homeless, improved.
The issue at hand is whether a design that bears little connection to the city’s largest and most beloved historic district should be accepted as is, or changed.
New York City’s landmarks law is not intended to prevent development on vacant lots. But it is intended to ensure that new development maintains and reinforces the character of New York City’s historic districts.
For more than 40 years this law has preserved and protected some of New York’s most historic neighborhoods, ensuring they continue to make a unique cultural, economic, and aesthetic contribution to the city.
Requiring the design of this building to better reflect its surroundings will not only help preserve Greenwich Village, but preserve the integrity of a law that has served New Yorkers well for over four decades.
ANDREW BERMAN
Executive Director
The Greenwich Village Society For Historic Preservation (www.gvshp.org)
Manhattan
‘Renewal of Lower East Side’
“City May Block Renewal of Lower East Side” is a gross misstatement of the impact of historic districts [David Lombino, Page 1, March 15, 2006].
The city’s Independent Budget Office concluded that historic districts protect and enhance property values.
Most requests for new districts come from residents eager to protect the sense of place and quality of life that attracted them to their homes in the first place.
The Ladies Mile and Soho Historic Districts are full of shops, restaurants and new apartments that took advantage of the distinctive architecture they contain.
“Market forces” should not outweigh the rich architectural and social history of the Lower East Side.
Protecting the area will continue to make it an interesting and exciting place to live and do business.
PEG BREEN
President, New York Landmarks Conservancy (www.nylandmarks.org)
Manhattan
Please address letters intended for publication to the Editor of The New York Sun. Letters may be sent by e-mail to editor@nysun.com, by facsimile to 212-608-7348, or post to 105 Chambers Street, New York City 10007. Please include a return address and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited.
