Dromm statement on New York City Council Intro 775-A

New York, NY, June 8, 2016 — At today’s stated meeting of the NYC Council, Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst) voted against Intro 775-A, a bill that would establish a maximum period of time for the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to take action on any item calendared for consideration of landmark status.

“Preserving historic properties and neighborhoods is key to preserving the beauty of our city,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm, whose district is home to the Jackson Heights Historic District. “The creation of the Jackson Heights Historic District was a lengthy process, requiring more time than the two-year deadline set by Intro 775-A.  I am deeply concerned that the mandated time frame prescribed by this bill will allow properties and neighborhoods to fall off the calendar, leaving them vulnerable to unscrupulous developers who will seize the opportunity to make irreversible and damaging changes.   I am opposed to legislating a time frame that could potentially jeopardize the character of our city’s historic districts and property.”

A majority of Council Members voted in favor of Intro 775-A at the stated meeting. Council Members Inez Barron (D-Brooklyn), Margaret Chin (D-Mahattan), Dan Garodnick (D-Mahattan), Corey Johnson (D-Mahattan), Ben Kallos (D-Mahattan), Stepehn Levin (D-Brooklyn), Mark Levine (D-Mahattan), Rosie Mendez (D-Mahattan), and Helen Rosenthal (D-Mahattan) joined Council Member Dromm in opposing the measure. Press Release.