Upcoming CB3 meeting: protecting East Village houses of worship
Please attend the upcoming Community Board 3 hearing to show support for the proposal by GVSHP and the East Village Community Coalition to landmark the endangered Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Protection at 59 East 2nd Street. The hearing will be on Thursday, January 15th at 6:30 pm in the Community Board #3 offices at 59 East 4th Street (2nd/Bowery).
It will be important that we have a strong showing in support of landmark designation. As you may know, the leaders of the church had proposed constructing an 8-story condo-tower atop the building. However, due to the recently-passed East Village rezoning and a “standstill agreement” brokered by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, that is likely no longer possible. However, we do understand that leaders of the church may resist landmark designation in spite of the potential for grants and assistance it may offer. The church does appear to have genuine financial and material concerns regarding the upkeep of the building, and we do want to find ways to help them. However, the cathedral is such a critical piece of the history of the East Village that we feel it is critical that its preservation be ensured, and landmark designation does NOT prevent necessary changes to a building, even appropriate additions that may allow for the generation of revenue as the church is seeking.
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