Rowhouses within the proposed historic district. Image Credit: NYC LPC

The proposed district is in two sections and prominently features many rowhouses. On February 2, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar the Dorrance Brooks Square Historic District in Harlem for future designation. The greater proposed historic district represents the area’s significant connection to the Harlem Renaissance and advancements in politics, education, healthcare, literature and culture. (more…)

Holyrood Episcopal Church-Iglesia Santa Cruz, one of the three sites calendared by LPC on January 19th. Image Credit: LPC

The Equity Framework aims to increase diversity in New York’s landmarks and work within the Landmarks Preservation Commission. On January 19, 2021, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to calendar three sites for designation as part of the agency’s launch of an equity framework designed to better represent New York City’s diversity and underrepresented populations. The three sites calendared for proposed designation are the Conference House Park Archeological Site in Tottenville, Staten Island, the Holyrood Episcopal Church-Iglesia Santa Cruz in Washington Heights, Manhattan, and 70 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. They are all cultural or historic sites that represent different populations across New York’s history. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.

The program follows the concept of the Open Restaurants program. On December 10, 2020, the City Council passed two bills designed to provide arts and cultural institutions across the city with more access to public spaces in response to the damage to the City’s cultural sector because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  (more…)

Angel Guardian Home, Main Building

The landmark highlights the history of social services in Brooklyn. On November 10, 2020, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate the Angel Guardian Home as an individual landmark. The Angel Guardian Home, located at 6301 12th Avenue in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, is a former orphanage operated by the Sisters of Mercy. It is the first individual landmark in Dyker Heights. (more…)

Work on the Bluebelt begins. Image Credit: NYC DEP

Bluebelts improve the health of local waterways and increase nearby property values by managing stormwater and reducing flooding while protecting natural spaces. On October 1, 2020, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza, Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, and Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Lorraine Grillo announced that construction began on a $75 million enhancement of the Bluebelt program in the Mid-Island area of Staten Island. (more…)