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Q&A
Steven Chu discusses LPC's approach to housing development and borough representation
1:09:06
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125 sec
Steven Chu, a commissioner of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, addresses the balance between historic preservation and housing development, as well as efforts to increase representation across all five boroughs.
- Chu cites an example of a large housing project approved behind Saint Augustine's Church, which provided housing while funding church restoration
- He suggests commissioners can work with staff to seek more designations in underrepresented areas
- Chu acknowledges that increasing representation in all five boroughs is a goal they can work towards
Steven Chu
1:09:06
So to address your question about the need for housing in the city, is that specifically about housing in general or affordable housing?
Amanda Farías
1:09:19
I think both.
1:09:20
When looking at preservation efforts, the the balance between the historic preservation and the need whether the need whether it's for a new housing infrastructure or the focus on economic development?
Steven Chu
1:09:33
Okay.
1:09:33
So I I think that the city is experiencing a need for housing in general.
1:09:39
That's something that I am very aware of.
1:09:41
I also do support affordable housing under that topic.
1:09:46
I think that the the commission, at least during the time that that I've been on it, has in fact approved a large one example of a large housing project that was indirectly behind Saint Augustine's Church in the Lower East Side, and it was, I believe, a 20 story tower for residential.
1:10:07
So a large building was approved, and the great thing about it in my mind is that it provided needed housing, but at the same time it funded the restoration of the church that was adjacent to it.
1:10:21
In terms of your question about how to address the needs of the five boroughs, I would go back to a bit of the question that was asked before, and combine it with the fact that the the commissioners, I do think, can work with the staff in terms of seeking designations.
1:10:40
And if that is a goal of ours is to increase the amount of representation by all five boroughs in areas that may not have gotten that protection for historic fabric, it's something that we could work with our staff to help push for more designations.
1:10:58
But in general, as said before, it it is generally a staff selected process.
1:11:04
But I think that it's something we can all work together to help improve and get equality in terms of where and what is being designate in the city.