New York City Council
Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings and Dispositions
Sep 10, 2024
·
11:00 AM
35 min
Summary
A hearing on two proposed landmark designations: the Brooklyn Edison Building in Downtown Brooklyn and the Willoughby Hart Historic District in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Discussions focused on maintaining flexibility for retail spaces in the Brooklyn Edison Building, the historical significance and architectural styles of the Willoughby Hart district, and homeowners' ability to make additions after designation.
The committee also voted to approve three other landmark designations:
- Temple Court/Beekman Hotel Atrium
- Heckscher/Crown Building in Manhattan
- Frederick Douglass Memorial Park in Staten Island.
Features testimony from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Sandy Nurse opens the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sightings, and Dispositions meeting
Council Member Sandy Nurse opens the meeting of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sightings, and Dispositions, welcoming attendees and introducing committee members. She provides instructions for public participation in the …
0:00:15
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80 sec
Council Member Lincoln Restler's remarks on the Brooklyn Edison Building landmark designation
Council Member Lincoln Restler discusses the importance of the Brooklyn Edison Building at 345 Adams Street in Downtown Brooklyn and its potential landmark designation. He emphasizes the need to preserve …
0:09:06
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101 sec
Landmarks Preservation Commission Executive Director Testifies on Brooklyn Edison Building Designation
Lisa Kersavage, Executive Director of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, provides testimony on the proposed landmark designation of the Brooklyn Edison Building. She describes the building's architectural features, historical significance, and …
0:10:53
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4 min
Council Member Restler discusses the transformation of Downtown Brooklyn
Council Member Lincoln Restler reflects on the significant changes that have occurred in Downtown Brooklyn during his lifetime. He highlights the importance of developments like the Marriott and retail spaces …
0:15:38
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23 sec
Discussion on the Brooklyn Edison Building's landmark designation and facade alterations
Council Member Restler and LPC Executive Director Lisa Kersavage engage in a Q&A session about the Brooklyn Edison Building's landmark designation, focusing on the Adams Street facade and LPC's approach …
0:16:00
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168 sec
Discussion on LPC's approach to regulating buildings and storefronts
Council Member Restler and LPC Executive Director Kersavage discuss LPC's general approach to regulating buildings and storefronts, particularly regarding historical accuracy and flexibility. - Restler expresses concern about LPC potentially …
0:18:49
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128 sec
Discussion on creating master plans for commercial spaces in the Brooklyn Edison Building
Council Member Restler and LPC Executive Director Kersavage discuss the creation of master plans for commercial spaces in the Brooklyn Edison Building, focusing on specific elements like signage and awnings. …
0:20:57
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124 sec
Council Member Restler summarizes his stance on the Brooklyn Edison Building project
Council Member Restler concludes the discussion by summarizing his position on the Brooklyn Edison Building landmark designation and expressing his concerns about commercial storefront regulations. - Restler expresses support for …
0:23:01
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33 sec
Introduction to the Willoughby Hart Historic District
Lisa Kersavage, Executive Director of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, introduces the Willoughby Hart Historic District. The district consists of two blocks of cohesive historic streetscapes with row houses built between …
0:25:06
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28 sec
Location and context of the Willoughby Hart Historic District
The Willoughby Hart Historic District is located in the northwest corner of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, near the Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant Historic Districts. It was identified by the Landmarks Preservation …
0:25:34
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43 sec
Boundaries and community engagement for the Willoughby Hart Historic District
The Willoughby Hart Historic District is bounded by specific streets in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The LPC held multiple information sessions and meetings with property owners, and received support from various officials and …
0:26:20
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71 sec
Historical background of the Willoughby Hart area
The Willoughby Hart Historic District was historically part of a community known as Cripple Busch, which developed in the mid-17th century. The area's development started slowly in the 1870s and …
0:27:33
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58 sec
Demographics and development of the Willoughby Hart district
The Willoughby Hart Historic District is characterized by long, consistent rows of preserved row houses. The area's demographics shifted over time, from early Jewish immigrants to a predominantly African American …
0:28:33
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33 sec
Community development initiatives in Bedford-Stuyvesant
In the 1960s, significant community development initiatives were launched in Bedford-Stuyvesant, including the formation of the first federally funded community development corporation in the country. - Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council …
0:29:08
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30 sec
Architectural styles and building dates in the Willoughby Hart district
The Willoughby Hart Historic District features row houses built during the last three decades of the 19th century, showcasing a transition from farmland to dense residential development. The district includes …
0:29:41
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39 sec
Current state and integrity of the Willoughby Hart Historic District
The Willoughby Hart Historic District maintains good integrity overall, with consistent historic streetscapes. Some properties have undergone minor alterations, but these do not significantly detract from the district's historic architectural …
0:32:41
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31 sec
Council Member Nurse inquires about homeowner additions after historic district designation
Council Member Sandy Nurse asks about the ability of homeowners to make additions to their properties after the historic district is designated. Lisa Kersavage from the Landmarks Preservation Commission provides …
0:33:19
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48 sec
Vote outcome for land use items 108, 129, and 131
The Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sightings, and Dispositions voted on three land use items. The vote resulted in unanimous approval for all items. - Yeas: 4 - Nays: 0 - …
0:34:36
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15 sec
