Last week, GVSHP sent a letter to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) urging them to consider broad historic district protections for the historic buildings located in the blocks south of Union Square. This area faces intense development pressure right now, especially in the wake of the City Council’s approval of Mayor de Blasio’s upzoning for a new ‘Tech Hub’ at 120 E. 14th Street. As part of that deal, Councilmember Carlina Rivera secured a commitment from the LPC to consider seven (as-yet-unidentified) buildings for landmark designation. But GVSHP had identified and shared with the Councilmember and the LPC 193 buildings in the area which merit inclusion within a historic district, making the proposed actions a mere 3.6% of those worthy of protection. 
 
The historic buildings in this area of Greenwich Village and the East Village south of Union Square contain a remarkable record of New York’s transformation from the commercial capital to the cultural capital of the world. Historic district protections are necessary to protect their character and history and prevent inappropriate demolitions and new development.