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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Andrea Goldwyn, Representative of New York Landmarks Conservancy
1:36:48
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117 sec
Andrea Goldwyn, representing the New York Landmarks Conservancy, testified on the importance of preservation in New York City, highlighting the economic benefits and the need to balance development with historic preservation. She emphasized the crucial role of the Landmarks Preservation Commission in protecting the city's architectural heritage and identity.
- Presented statistics showing that landmark properties, while comprising less than 5% of city land, significantly contribute to the city's economy
- Expressed concern about upzoning in historic districts, particularly in Midtown South
- Advocated for the protection of historic buildings from inappropriate development while supporting affordable housing initiatives
Andrea Goldwyn
1:36:48
Good afternoon, chair powers and council member Brewer.
1:36:52
I'm Andrea Goldwyn speaking on behalf of the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
1:36:57
The Conservancy is a fifty two year old organization dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and reusing New York's historic buildings and neighborhoods.
1:37:05
My statement made a little more sense when the nominees were still in the room, but I will just go ahead with that.
1:37:11
As we welcome the returning and new nominees to the commission, we note that this is a crucial time for preservation in the city.
1:37:18
We believe preservation has lived up to mayor Wagner's expectations when he signed the landmarks law sixty years ago.
1:37:24
The conservancy's comprehensive study on the economic benefits of preservation quantified the tremendous benefits.
1:37:31
Less than 5% of the city's land is under the regulation of Landmarks Commission but those historic properties over deliver for the city.
1:37:39
Yet today, the emphasis is only on building as much as possible in as many places as we can.
1:37:45
The second up zoning of a historic district is currently going through the approval process.
1:37:50
If approved it will add development pressure to the historic blocks of Midtown South.
1:37:54
But with 95% of the city not under LPC review surely there's room for additional building.
1:38:01
We support affordable housing, many historic buildings provide existing affordable housing, we support converting underutilized commercial, and other types of building into more affordable housing.
1:38:13
We want to ensure that New York's rich diversity of architecture continues to enhance the city, creating jobs, housing New Yorkers, encouraging sustainability and welcoming visitors from around the world.
1:38:26
Our individual landmarks and historic districts maintain the city's identity.
1:38:30
We ask the nominees, hopefully they'll hear this, to protect those buildings and protect them from upzoning and inappropriate development.
1:38:41
They will help preserve the heart of the city by doing so.
1:38:44
Thank you.