In 2007, I have vowed to become more active in saving New York City's landmarks. In case anyone didn't notice, New York City's real estate market is on fire (you noticed, right?). It seems like every neighborhood is undergoing some sort of change, driven by the desperate need for affordable housing and the city's continued growth and economic strength, post-9/11.
Lost in all of this development, however, is some of New York City's soul and history.
It seems like every week, a landmark-quality building is being demolished, and replaced with condos of questionable quality and taste (which is subjective, but anyone can find a new building that they hate these days). Sure, not every old building deserves to be saved, but it seems like preserving and reusing old buildings -- a more eco-friendly approach to development -- is completely off the table as an option. Some blame the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission , a mayorally-appointed body which appears to be bowing to the pressures of the development community; Author Tom Wolfe had scathing words for the LPC in this November 2006 op-ed in the New York Times.
Newly-formed advocacy groups like the Citizens Emergency Committee to Preserve Preservation are already trying to tackle this problem head-on. In order for these activists to be successful, New York City will have to grasp and accept these critical points:
- Landmarks generate community pride and are a proven tool for community revitalization.
- Landmark restoration projects create more income for New York than new construction. Seriously; historic renovation jobs will put that woodworker next door back to work! There isnt much of a call for their skills in new construction.
- Landmarks improve the city's property values, especially the value of surrounding buildings.
- Finally, landmarks generate tourism. Let's face it: Tourists don't come to New York to see apartment buildings and the latest glass office tower; they come to see the sites, including historic landmarks like Grand Central Station and historic districts like Greenwich Village. In 2006, a record 44 million tourists came to New York and generated $24 billion in economic development. Our landmarks are big business!
Sounds like New York should start taking its landmarks more seriously, right?
From this blogger's point-of-view, as New York begins planning for the year 2030, it should keep these important points in mind. If you agree that New York City looks and feels better, and is economically stronger, with a mix of the old and new, try sharing your thoughts with the folks at PlaNYC 2030.
Oh, and before I forget, Happy New Year! May 2007 be truly world-changing for you!
