Landmark designations and oversight of landmark properties must be reconciled with other policy considerations that are critical to the growth and success of the City.
The LPC should prioritize opportunities for sustainable improvements and green buildings by reducing restrictions and allowing replacement of non-contributing and inefficient buildings.
The future land use and economic impacts of landmark and historic district designation should be specifically considered by the City Planning Commission and the City Council. The Landmarks Law should be implemented in a manner that allows for consideration of the overall best interest of the City, including other priorities such as the need for more housing and jobs, physical infrastructure, greater sustainability efforts and exciting new architecture. Common sense amendments to the Landmarks Law will ensure that our history is preserved but that New York will never become a City preserved in amber whose best days are behind it. New York City became a world capital as the result of innovation and vibrant growth. Preservation must accommodate and encourage these characteristics in order for New York City to thrive in the 21st Century.