The Historic Districts Council recently released A Proven Success: How the New York City Landmarks Law and Process Benefit the City. This report shows how 49 years of activities by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) have affected New York City in a variety of positive ways. The report examines the correlation between urban planning, affordable housing, gentrification, tax revenue and job creation within historic districts.
A Proven Success examines the Real Estate Board of New York’s long history of opposition to both the Law and the LPC. It documents REBNY’s even longer history (90 years) of opposition to affordable housing by consistently advocating for higher rents on rent-regulated apartments, de-regulation, and vacancy decontrol. The report also makes clear that the Landmarks Law and the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the city agency charged with upholding that law, have not contributed to a housing crisis. Designation has in fact stabilized and enriched our neighborhoods, drawing development to previously ignored parts of the city.
A Proven Success is a great resource for those interested in New York real estate and development. It is a voice of reason to balance the roar of real estate lobbyists who have sought to dominate public and political conversation about historic preservation in our city. When you support historic preservation efforts, you show your constituents that you care about the past and future of their neighborhoods.
Read the full report. For more information contact our colleagues at the Historic District Council: Executive Director Simeon Bankoff at 212-614-9107 or hdc@hdc.org.
