NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 40
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Sponsored by the Coalition of Concerned Preservation Voters in the 40th District

 

1. Do you promise that, if elected, you will be an aggressive advocate for the designation of these neighborhoods as historic districts? How would you deploy your position on the Council to ensure that the landmarks process proceeds expeditiously to final historic district designation?

Gordon: Yes I would.

Hopkins: I would be a progressive advocate on land use issues-seek membership in the responsible committee.

James: If elected to City Council, I pledge to serve as an aggressive advocate for the designation of certain Brooklyn neighborhoods, such as Midwood Park, Fiske Terrace and Ditmas, as historic districts. Specifically by using my position and influence as an elected official, I would partner with like-minded groups such as the Historic Districts Council to move the process forward expeditiously.

McNally: When elected, I will strongly support designation as a means of preserving the character of neighborhoods and to minimize out-of-scale development. When elected, I will seek a position on the Landmarks, Public Siting & Maritime Uses Committee.

Razvi: Yes, I will seek to be appointed to the Landmarks Committee. Second I will increase public pressure through press conferences. Third I would utilize my personal relationship with the Landmarks Commissioner Bob Tierney.

Schiffman: I would be an aggressive advocate for the designation of any neighborhood-Midwood Park, Fiske Terrace and Ditmas Park West- so long as it reflects the will of the majority of homeowners. For the 8 years my family and I have lived in Prospect Park South, one of the oldest landmarked districts in the City. During that time, property values have increased and the landmarked status has meant that the historic homes that are in the neighborhood are maintained and preserved.
I would also, as a member of the City Council, work with the appropriate committees as well as LPC to ensure that landmarking is an open process with a well defined timetable set by the Council and the LPC. In addition, I would work closely not only with the community groups but also with the local community boards and the Borough President on these issues as well as with my colleagues on all levels of government.

Sharpe: Yes, I promise. [I would] hold hearings and by working closely with the Brooklyn Delegation sponsor legislation.

Tulloch: Yes, I would request to be places on the Committee for Land Use and Subcommittee for Landmarks, Public Siting and Maritime Uses.