Preservation Today

The New York Times has begun a series of articles --  based on a six-month investigation -- exploring the operations of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The evaluating body consists of 11 commissioners, whose composition  must include at least three architects, one historian, one city planner or landscape architect, one real estate agent and one resident of each of the five boroughs.  The Chairman, Robert B. Tierney, holds ultimate authority over the process.  The commission does not document the resolution of each nomination, nor does it develop statistics related to how many nominations it rejects or defers.  To read Robin Pogrebin's first piece, click here.

In New Orleans, many Mid-City residents are lamenting a recent decision to appropriate a sizable portion of the neighborhood for a new VA-LSU medical corridor.  The Department of Veterans Affairs announced yesterday that the area bounded by South Galvez Street, Tulane Avenue, South Rocheblave Street and Canal Street would be the site of the new VA Medical Center.  The State of Louisiana announced that the area bounded by South Galvez Street, Tulane Avenue, South Claiborne Avenue and Canal Street would be the site of the new LSU Academic Medical Center.  

In response to the announcements, activist Karen Gadbois, writing on her Squandered Heritage blog, addressed the related FEMA Section 106 process and contrasted it with her experience in Mexico.  Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, commented:

"In selecting these sites, the VA and LSU have made a serious error. They chose alternatives that will not only be the most time-consuming, costly, and complex, to implement, but will needlessly destroy a historic neighborhood where residents are struggling to rebuild their community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. . . We strongly urge the VA and LSU to reconsider, and take a look at other less harmful alternatives."

For those interested in the latest preservation news, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the online news forum Preservation Today are excellent sources.