GVSHP | Detail

Please join GVSHP and other community groups and neighbors for a protest this Thursday, October 22 at noon in front of 178 Bleecker Street, between MacDougal and Sullivan Streets. Yesterday the City approved plans to build an 8-story building in the middle of a row of 5-story 1862 rowhouses, abutting the diminutive MacDougal Sullivan Gardens Historic District, in spite of zoning restrictions which should limit any new construction to 60 feet, the approximate height of the surrounding buildings.

GVSHP had fought to save 178 Bleecker Street, a historic 1862 rowhouse in the heart of the South Village, from demolition, but the City refused to act. When the developer filed plans for an 8-story replacement, GVSHP argued that such a development would be illegal in light of the “Sliver Law” which prevents tall narrow structures on narrow streets such as this. After withholding approvals for months, yesterday the city approved the plans. GVSHP has written to Mayor Bloomberg and the Department of Buildings Commissioner calling for the approvals to be rescinded.

While the City will hold a hearing on possible landmark designation of part of the South Village next Tuesday, the city’s proposal does not include this area or about two-thirds of the South Village which GVSHP has urged be landmarked. As the city slowly moves ahead with considering this first phase of landmark protections for part of the South Village, more and more sites in the neighborhood are being lost and replaced with inappropriate new construction.

HOW TO HELP:

Come to the demonstration on Thursday at noon at 178 Bleecker Street (MacDougal/Sullivan Streets) calling upon the city to rescind approvals for a new 8-story building, and calling for swift action to protect the ENTIRE South Village. Bring signs, and spread the word!
Write to the Mayor and Buildings Commissioner demanding they rescind the approvals for 178 Bleecker Street NOW >>
Come to the South Village Landmarking hearing WHICH HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR 2:30 PM NEXT TUESDAY OCT. 27 at the LPC hearing room, the Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street (at Chambers Street — bring photo ID) 9th floor. Urge the City to protect ALL of the South Village RIGHT AWAY; CLICK HERE for sample testimony and a letter you can send RIGHT NOW. Please note that if the scheduled time of the South Village hearing changes, we will send out an e-mail and post it on our website.