Citizens Urging Transparency in the New-York Historical Society's Development Process

To:  The New-York Historical Society

We, the undersigned members of the Upper West Side community and beyond, stand united in urging the New-York Historical Society to hold a public forum and reveal its plans to develop its site on Central Park West between 76th and 77th Streets. We welcome the opportunity, at the earliest possible time, to meet with the Society, listen and discuss its needs and alternatives for the future. Transparency is absolutely critical to the process moving forward.

In November 2006, the New York Times first reported on the Society’s plans to redesign the façades of its Landmark building on Central Park West and build a 280-foot glass tower on West 76th Street, rising up over the Landmark. Over several months of legally required public review before Community Board 7 and the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Society insisted (to widespread disbelief) that the façade changes and the tower were two entirely separate projects and refused to discuss plans for the tower. After significant modifications, the Society ultimately won the Landmarks Commission’s approval of the façade work in April 2007. Since then, the community has learned that the Society has selected a developer and an architect to build its tower.

We ask the New-York Historical Society to engage in a frank dialogue with the public—now, before its plans are set in stone, while there is still an opportunity to work together towards a common vision for this important Landmark site and the distinctive profile of one of New York’s most beloved architectural treasures, the skyline of Central Park West.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Citizens Urging Transparency in the New-York Historical Society's Development Process Petition to The New-York Historical Society was created by and written by Arlene Simon (landmarkwest@landmarkwest.org).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     facebook     furl     reddit     slashdot     send to a friend

Send Petition to a Friend - Petition FAQ - Start a Petition - Contributions - Privacy - Media Kit - Comments and Suggestions