Demolition Delay Bill Introduced by
HDC’s “Friend in High Places”

At the City Council meeting on April 1st, Council Member Michael McMahon of Staten Island introduced legislation that, when enacted, will help prevent the destruction of historical significant buildings. CM McMahon was awarded HDC’s 2003 “Friend in High Places” award. His bill calls for the Department of Buildings (DOB) to notify the Landmarks Preservation Commission whenever a demolition permit is sought for a building over 50 years old. DOB would then hold off on issuing the permit until LPC decides if the building should be considered for landmark designation. For the text of the bill, click here.

The bill, formally known as Intro 317, was co-sponsored by CM Avella, Clarke, Gallagher, Gentile, Gerson, Gioia, Gonzalez, Jackson, Koppell, Lanza, Lopez, Martinez, Nelson, Oddo, Quinn, Recchia, Seabrook, Sears and Stewart –which is a strong and diverse show of support from all five boroughs and both parties. The Landmarks Preservation Commission has been briefed on the bill, and is currently investigating the possible ramifications of it to their workload and budget.

So now what?

Civics lesson! How a bill becomes a local law in New York City

Write a letter of support to your Council Member