New York State Assemblymember
Deborah J. Glick
66th Assembly District
DISTRICT OFFICE
853 Broadway, Suite 2120
New York, NY 10003
New York State Assemblymember
Deborah J. Glick
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April 3, 2002
Hon. Michael Bloomberg
Mayor, City of New York
City Hall
New
York, New York 10007
Dear Mayor Bloomberg:
I am writing to express my concern over the proposal to reduce funding to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in the Fiscal Year 2003 Budget and the introduction of fees for LPC permits. A large portion the district I represent (Greenwich Village, Soho and Tribeca) is either currently protected or being considered for landmarking protections. Although I sympathize with the current fiscal crisis, the proposed initiatives would only save the City a relatively small amount of money while limiting the ability of the LPC to fulfill its mission.
In order to maintain or even increase the annual budget for the LPC, I would suggest increased penalties for landmark violations. I understand that currently the LPC has only one officer issuing landmark violations. If the City were to hire additional officers to enforce landmark codes, the revenue from the fines could be recycled to the LPC and subsequently defer the additional expense of hiring officers as well as generating new revenue.
This initiative would be far less problematic than the suggested imposition of fees for LPC permits. Requiring property owners to pay for permits will create a financial barrier that may prevent proper maintenance of buildings with historical, cultural, or architectural significance. Additionally, the bureaucratic burden required to process and implement a fee-based permit system would siphon off funding that is utilized for general operating costs.
I strongly urge you to reconsider the proposed introduction of fees for permits and consider the notion of increased fines for landmark violations.
Sincerely,
Deborah J. Glick
cc: Deputy Mayor, Dan Doctoroff
New York State Senator Thomas K.
Duane
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April 18, 2002
Hon. Michael Bloomberg
Mayor, City Hall
City Hall
New York,
New York 10007
Dear Mayor Bloomberg:
I am writing to express my opposition to the proposal to impose fees for permits from the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) and to make a significant reduction in the LPC’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2003. I urge you to reconsider these proposals, as they would have a harmful impact on Greenwich Village, Tribeca, Soho, Noho, Chelsea, the Upper West Side and East Side neighborhoods, and numerous other communities throughout New York City. This proposal would seriously reduce our ability to protect and preserve historically, culturally, and architecturally significant buildings, which serve as the cornerstone of New York’s cultural and economic appeal.
Although I understand that New York City is experiencing a fiscal crisis, this proposed budget cut and revenue initiative would only save the City a relatively small amount of money and would limit the ability of the LPC to protect and preserve historical landmarks, which are critical to the diverse nature of New York City. Also, by creating an additional burden on property owners here in New York City for maintaining historic properties, the city itself will be responsible for discouraging the preservation of historically significant buildings. As importantly, the process of collecting, monitoring, and administering these fees will only create more work for an already understaffed agency while simultaneously increasing administrative costs.
The proposed changes to LPC will strongly impact communities like Greenwich Village, Murray Hill, the Upper West Side, and many other neighborhoods where the LPC has been instrumental in protecting the city’s history. All throughout New York City, countless structures and buildings will be at risk if these proposed budget changes are implemented.
As a former member of the New York City Council and a member of the Land Use Committee and Landmarks Subcommittee, I strongly believe that the city will be breaking faith with property owners in landmarked districts and set a precedent of punishment rather than persuasion to protect and preserve what is so beautiful about historic New York City.
I strongly urge you to reconsider these proposals.
Sincerely,
Thomas K. Duane
State Senator