Landmarks Preservation Commission
The Landmarks Preservation Commission is an agency of the city of New York City whose task it is to identify historically valuable buildings and areas ( Historic Districts ) in the city and to put them under monument protection.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission was established by Mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr. in 1965 after the public awareness of the preservation issue rose following the controversial demolition of some historically important buildings, particularly the old Penn Station , which was demolished in 1963 .
Types of monuments
The following types of monuments can be placed under protection:
- Individual monuments such as buildings and other structures such as the " Wonderwheel ", a ferris wheel in Coney Island ;
- Interiors that are open to the public and have a particular architectural or historical significance;
- Landscape landmarks such as Central Park and Prospect Park ;
- Historic districts that have a particular architectural context or historical significance.
To be protected as a monument, a structure must be more than 30 years old and “have a special character or historical or aesthetic value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state or nation”.
Structure and tasks
The Landmarks Preservation Commission consists of eleven commissioners appointed by the Mayor of New York City, ten of whom are honorary, and a permanent staff in six departments:
- The Archeology Department ( Archeology Department ) deals with historical remains in the soil; In the context of environmental impact assessments for large projects, the Commission can request further assessments if there are indications that a property could be archaeologically significant.
- The research department ( Research Department ) investigated whether the proposed building or urban areas actually have historical significance and therefore classified historical monument to be placed.
- The conservation department ( Preservation Department ) helps owners of listed buildings in the restoration.
- The monument stewardship program ( Historic Preservation Grant Program ) provides owners of monuments grants of up to $ 25,000 for the restoration of facades available.
- The Enforcement Division ( Enforcement Department ) ensures compliance with the conservation provisions.
- The Department of Environmental Coordination ( Environmental Review Coordination ) ensures that the interests of preservation as part of the environmental impact assessment for construction projects in New York are met.
Obtaining monument status
Every citizen can apply for the protection of a building or urban area for monument protection. The staff of the Landmarks Preservation Commission then evaluates whether the criteria for a listed building are met. The commission then determines the monument status. The Department of City Planning must then decide whether the protection of a monument conflicts with urban development. The final decision on whether a building or an area of the city is historically significant rests with the City Council .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Archived copy ( memento of the original from October 12, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed April 14, 2009
