Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. There are several properties within my district, including: 57 Sullivan Street, 315 Broadway, James McCreery & Co., located at 801-807 Broadway, 138 Second Avenue, and 143 Chambers Street that warrant landmark designation. These sites are historic gems and revered by many who live, work and visit the area. There is constant pressure to develop in our community. This is of great concern to all of us who admire the historic, cultural and architectural character of the New York. Without landmark status, the cultural significance of our City will be lost. We must act quickly to preserve these sites, or our history will be lost for future generations to enjoy. I urge you to vote to designate landmark status for these properties without further delay.

All of these properties have unique histories that are essential to preserve. The Federal Style row house building located on 57 Sullivan Street under consideration was originally created around 1816 on land owned by the Lispenard Stewart family who traced their ancestry in New York to before the Revolutionary War. The property located at 315 Broadway has an architectural style reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance-inspired palazzo deco that is awe inspiring. And the building on 138 Second Avenue was constructed around 1832, and is sitting on land once occupied by Peter Stuyvesant.

We are under increased attack from greedy developers who want nothing more than to convert these iconic areas into high-rise luxury towers to be enjoyed by a select few. We cannot allow that to happen. These pieces of our City’s history are at jeopardy if we do not protect these sites through landmark designation.

I appreciate that the Landmark Preservation Commission is working to hear backlogged items. I hope that the Landmark Preservation Commission will act swiftly to approve the five properties highlighted today that have been under consideration for years, and I urge you to take it a step further and not only listen to the community’s concerns, but act swiftly to preserve these iconic buildings. Thank you.