IMPORTANT PUBLIC MEETINGS: New Buildings on the Upper West Side

Important Public Meetings on New Construction in the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District

At least two new buildings are under consideration for construction in Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District. It isn't every day that the community has the exciting opportunity to participate in shaping the physical appearance of our neighborhood on such a scale. So, please, mark your calendars and make your voice heard!

Thursday, January 12, 7:00 PM - Community Board 7 will hold a joint meeting of its Parks & Preservation and Land Use Committees regarding an application to construct a new 172', 15-story building at 120 W. 72nd Street (on the south side of the block between Columbus Avenue and Broadway). Please attend and hear presentations by the architect (BKSK Architects) and development team. Public testimony will be heard so that CB7 can give its recommendations to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Location: American Bible Society, 1865 Broadway (@61st Street).

Tuesday, January 17, morning (exact time tba) - The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will hold a public meeting regarding the application to construct a new 124', 10-story building at 8 W. 70th Street adjacent to the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue (Congregation Shearith Israel, an Individual Landmark). The LPC may take action at this point in a decades-long effort to protect the landmark synagogue and its predominantly low-rise context from out-of-scale development that would set a negative precedent for historic neighborhoods throughout the city. Location: LPC Hearing Room, Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 9th Floor. No public testimony will be heard on Jan. 17, but a large presence in the hearing room is absolutely vital to ensure the commissioners recognize the concerns shared by historic communities. This may be our last chance to have input on this proposal - please send emails/faxes to LPC Chair Robert B. Tierney today! Email: comments@lpc.nyc.gov, Fax: 212-669-7955. (Please send copies to us at landmarkwest@landmarkwest.org.)

Remember: A new building in one historic district impacts every historic district. New construction is not a question of "if" but "when", and every project sets the tone for future change. Help make sure that each change is for the better!