FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PRESERVING YOUR HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD

What does the Landmark Law do?

The Landmark Law—

  • Recognizes that the special character of a neighborhood or structure can easily be damaged— or permanently destroyed—by thoughtless renovation or construction…
  • Empowers the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to designate qualified communities or structures as Historic Landmarks, and
  • Requires that new construction or modification be reviewed by the LPC to make sure it respects the historic, aesthetic or cultural values of the community.

How does the Landmark Law benefit a designated neighborhood or structure?

  • It protects and preserves the city’s historic, aesthetic, and cultural districts;
  • It stimulates civic pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past;
  • It preserves and enhances New York’s attractiveness for tourists; stimulates business and industry; and strengthens the city’s economy.
  • It promotes the use of landmarks for the education, pleasure and welfare of all.

What types of designation can the LPC make?

There are three types of landmarks:

  • Individual building exteriors
  • Individual building interiors
  • Scenic landmarks. The LPC may also designate whole areas of the city as historic districts.

What is a Historic District?

    An historic district is an area of the city designated by the LPC that has at least one historical style of architecture that gives the district its distinct "sense of place." (Fort Greene, Greenwich Village, Mott Haven, SoHo and the Gansevoort Meatpacking District are examples of sections of the city that contain historic districts.)

I own property in this neighborhood. Will I be restricted in the changes I can make?

    New York City Landmarks designation does place restrictions on how you modify a historic property, most often as to exterior changes. Designation is designed to protect and preserve properties and neighborhoods. This can benefit you by preventing undesirable changes to neighboring buildings that could lessen the value, the ambience or the enjoyment of your property.

Do historic buildings incur higher maintenance costs?

    Although there can be an additional expense for historically appropriate repair and maintenance of historic buildings, property owners generally find that the additional costs are offset by higher revenue and property values.

If DUMBO is designated, will the LPC make me restore my building/property?

    No. The LPC does not require restoration for designated properties; however, it may make recommendations for restorative treatment when other work is being done to the property.

Does historic designation hurt real estate and development values of designated properties?

    To the contrary: in the long run it usually helps. Development is encouraged in historic districts if it is appropriate; it is discouraged if it violates the very qualities that give a district its appeal.

    Developers are subject to the same approval process by the LPC as are other property owners. Even though proposed new structures may be reviewed for appropriateness of aesthetics, height and bulk, developers generally benefit from the prestige and corresponding higher values associated with a historic district, Developers can also benefit from tax credits when renovating income-producing properties that have National Register designation.

    The real estate community itself demonstrates the benefit of historic designation in the way it markets historic properties. Its advertising and promotional literature emphasizes—and places a higher value on—the special character of these neighborhoods. In 2003, the Independent Budget Office of New York published a study that decisively showed that properties within designated New York City historic districts increase more in value over the long term than similar properties not in historic districts.

Dumbo is already a National Register Historic District. What is the difference between a National Register Historic District and a New York City Historic District?

    A National Register District is administered through the National Parks Service, a subset of the United States Department of the Interior, which is entirely independent of New York City Landmark Law. Unfortunately, listing on the registers does very little in the way of preventing demolition or insensitive change in the district. National Register requires owner approval; the NYC Landmarks Preservation Law does not.

Why was the Landmarks Law enacted?

    The Landmarks Law was enacted in response to New Yorkers’ outrage over the demolition of the architecturally distinguished Pennsylvania Station in 1963. This event heightened public awareness of the fact that treasured elements of the city’s history were being lost irrevocably, despite the fact that these buildings could be reused and economically sustained. The law has been so successful and widely admired that it has been coped in many cities throughout the country.

When will Dumbo be designated as a historic district?

    Never, unless the community makes a strong case for designation. The Dumbo Neighborhood Association and other groups have been working to raise community awareness of the need. This effort will peak in the coming months when a strong petition-signing and letter-writing campaign will be launched.

What will happen if we do nothing?

    Look about you; it’s happening right now. Unchecked, developers will build to maximize return on investment, even at the loss of what makes Dumbo unique. If you don’t care, why should they? If you do care, visit the websites below.

For more information visit the Landmark Preservation Commission or the Historic Districts Council.