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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Matt Dillon on the Importance of Landmarks Preservation
1:38:49
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153 sec
Matt Dillon, a resident of the Upper West Side, testified about the importance of preserving landmarks and architectural integrity in New York City. He shared personal experiences with landmark preservation efforts and emphasized the cultural and community value of historic buildings.
- Highlighted his involvement in saving buildings in Tompkins Square Park 15 years ago
- Discussed his active participation with a Presbyterian church housing the Center at Park West, a cultural center serving the community
- Stressed the importance of maintaining the city's distinctive architectural character for its global significance
Matt Dillon
1:38:49
I'm Matt Dillon, and I, you know, I would like to just start off by saying that landmarks are incredibly important to me.
1:38:56
I live in New York.
1:38:57
I'm a New York City resident.
1:38:59
I live on the Upper West Side.
1:39:01
And this is not my first time down here to City Hall.
1:39:06
I was here fifteen years ago as part of the Committee to Save Saint Bridget.
1:39:11
I remember Gail.
1:39:13
And, fortunately, I have to say at that time, I was a little bit shocked that a couple of buildings right on Tompkins Square Park were ready to be razed.
1:39:23
And I couldn't believe that that was going to happen.
1:39:26
And, fortunately, those buildings are standing today, and that that neighborhood has maintained its integrity.
1:39:34
And and I think that's really important.
1:39:37
I live on the Upper West Side.
1:39:39
I have had the privilege to be actively participating with the church on the corner of 80 Sixth Street and Amsterdam Avenue.
1:39:51
It's a Presbyterian church and it houses the center at Park West, which is a cultural center and it serves the community.
1:40:02
It serves the entire community, worshipers as well as artists.
1:40:07
We have many programs and projects we've been doing there as well as it serves the community, young people.
1:40:17
We it's just it it really is part of the lifeblood of the neighborhood.
1:40:22
And so that's important to me on a a personal level living in that district.
1:40:27
But, also, I really feel it's really important that this city preserves the architectural integrity that is here.
1:40:37
Without without our landmarks, without our without our distinctive architectural character, we're we're losing so much.
1:40:49
I mean, this city is so important to that.
1:40:51
I've traveled the world.
1:40:53
I've seen the mistakes that other countries have made, and I've also seen the benefits of other cities by maintaining and protecting.
1:41:01
And I think I wanna point out that I think that's what that's what the is that my buzzer for me?
Keith Powers
1:41:07
You get fed.
1:41:08
You fed.
Matt Dillon
1:41:08
Anyway, that that's my my spiel on it.
1:41:11
It means a lot to me.
1:41:13
The know, preserving and protecting the integrity of this city through its architecture.
1:41:19
Really hugely important.
1:41:21
And I'll pass it
Keith Powers
1:41:22
over to Thanks.