Mayor's Office memo on DEP cleaning for March 2002 meeting

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

New York City Landmarks Commission I Landmarking Process http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/designation/fag2text.html

properties be kept in good repair. This provision is similar to the Buildings Department's requirement that all New York City buildings must be maintained in a safe condition.

If you are interested in finding out about making repairs to your designated building, the Commission's Preservation Department staff is available to give you expert technical advice.

Will landmark designation prevent all alterations and new construction? No. Landmark designation does not "freeze" a building or an area. Alterations, demolition, and new construction continue to take place, but the Landmarks Commission must review the proposed changes and find them to be appropriate. This procedure helps ensure that the special qualities of the designated buildings are not compromised or destroyed.

In addition, new construction may occur when an owner of a vacant lot or building of no significance in a historic district wishes to construct a new building on the site. The Commission has approved such proposals when the design of the new building was found to be appropriate to the character of the historic district.

How can I find architects or contractors who have experience with historic buildings? When selecting an architect or contractor, you should keep in mind that many professionals are not accustomed to working on historic buildings or with renovation methods that are sensitive to the historic character of old buildings. Ask professionals about their experience with landmark buildings and whether they are familiar with the Landmarks Preservation Commission application process. Request references and look at completed projects.

The Commission cannot make recommendations regarding restoration professionals. Owners of historic buildings in your neighborhood may be able to provide information about contractors they have used.

The Restoration Directory lists architects, contractors, and artisans that specialize in restoration work. It is available from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, 141 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10010; telephone (212) 995-5260.

I own a designated building. Should I tell the tenants in my building about the building's landmark status? Yes. By law you are required to include specific language in all commercial leases to inform the commercial tenant that the building is protected by the Landmarks Law and that the Commission must approve all alterations in advance. If your building has residential tenants, it also would be a good idea to inform them. Remember, a building owner is ultimately responsible for the condition of his or her building. If a tenant makes illegal alterations, the tenant and the owner are responsible.

I want to sell my landmark building. Must I tell the Landmarks Commission? No, you do not need to tell the Commission that you are selling your building. Landmark designation places no restrictions on an owner's right to sell his or her property.

If I sell my building, should I tell the new owner that the building is a landmark? Yes. Though the Landmarks Commission registered the designation in the building's chain of title.

Are landmarks owned by not-for-profit organizations subject to the same regulations as other landmarks? Yes. The criteria for approving permits for work on buildings owned by not-for-profit owners

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