Landmark West! representative altered public official’s statement when she read it during public hearing. Virginia Parkhouse, a Landmark West! representative, allegedly misread a letter from Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer into the record at a Landmarks Preservation Commission public hearing. Stringer subsequently informed Landmarks of the misstatement, Landmarks complained to the Department of Investigation, and DOI issued a subpoena to Parkhouse. Parkhouse moved to quash the subpoena, claiming that it interfered with her right to … <Read More>
Owner can sue for damages
City failed to make advance payment to owner after taking property, but continued to charge interest on tax liens. The City acquired title to property through eminent domain for the New Creek Bluebelt project in Staten Island. Because the City did not issue an advance payment to the owner at the time of the taking, it began to pay out six percent interest on the advance payment. The City, meanwhile, continued to charge the owner … <Read More>
Church opposes designation
- West Park Presbyterian Church designation heard. Image:Nicole Nahas
West Side church claims designation will hinder its ability to restore and remain in Romanesque Revival structure. On July 14, 2009, Landmarks heard extensive testimony on the potential designation of West Park Presbyterian Church, at 165 West 86th Street in Manhattan. The red, sandstone- clad Romanesque Revival building was built in two phases. In 1883, the church commissioned Leopold Eidlitz, who also worked on the Tweed Courthouse … <Read More>
Con Ed opposes designating West Side powerhouse
- Former Interborough Rapid Transit Powerhouse. Image: LPC.
Landmarks considered designating building for the third time. On July 14, 2009, Landmarks heard testimony on the possible designation of the former Interborough Rapid Transit Powerhouse at West 58th Street and Eleventh Avenue. Designed by Stanford White, the Beaux-Arts style powerhouse is an example of the City Beautiful architectural movement influenced by the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Landmarks considered designating the powerhouse in 1979 and 1990, but … <Read More>
Conversions of rowhouses criticized
Commissioners concerned that proposal would destroy too many original structures. On July 21, 2009, Landmarks met for a second time to discuss Chabad of the West Side’s proposal to convert into a religious preschool two rowhouses located at 43 and 45 West 86th Street in the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District. The rowhouses were built in the 1890s and designed by architect John Duncan.
A hearing on May 19 revealed sharp divisions between … <Read More>
St.Vincent’s wins final Landmarks approval
- Rudin Management’s proposed townhouses and residential tower along West 11th Street. Image: FXFOWLE Architects.
After more than a year and nine meetings, Landmarks approved final component of St. Vincent’s plan. On July 7, 2009, Landmarks approved Rudin Management’s amended plan for the redevelopment of the St. Vincent’s Hospital complex into a residential development. The complex is located between Sixth and Seventh Avenues and West 11th and 12th Streets in the Greenwich Village Historic District. … <Read More>