May 29, 2015

Honorable Bill de Blasio

Mayor
City of New York
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
Dear Mayor de Blasio:
I write to you as follow-up to our conversations regarding changes to the boundaries of
the proposed Riverside-West End Historic District Extension II, which is pending designation at
the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Landmarking is a crucial component to preserving the diversity of our neighborhoods,
and it is essential that we balance our desire to expand with sensitivity to maintaining the unique
character of our neighborhoods.
Back in January of this year, I wrote Chair Srinivasan of the Landmarks Preservation
Commission a follow-up letter requesting a status update on the pending designation for
Riverside-West End Historic District Extension II. This district was calendared on November 16,
2010 and had a public hearing on October 25, 2011, which included much debate over the
boundaries of this district. Therefore I was dismayed to learn from our friends at the West End
Preservation Society that the LPC had gone ahead and removed critical portions from within the
district boundaries, including most of the frontage along Broadway and the block on which PS
75 sits, without public discussion. What is equally vexing is that the LPC has not yet scheduled a
date for discussion and vote.
I must reiterate my prior request for a public update and a vote. If sites are to be removed
from the proposed district, that information must be provided beforehand so the public can weigh
in on the merits of such dismissal, though I still strongly believe the boundaries as drawn and
presented in 2010 are the appropriate boundaries for the district.

Sincerely,

Gale A. Brewer