After nearly a year of heated debate between preservationists and the Landmarks Preservation Commission over a controversial proposal to change the rules under which the agency operates, the LPC announced they will hold another public hearing on the matter on October 16.

First announced in January, the proposed adjustments will codify, consolidate, alter and add to the commission’s existing rules — changes the agency argues will streamline the application process. Critics said the changes will decrease transparency, allow alterations that were previously prohibited, and pave the way for development at the expense of historic preservation.

lpc rule changes landmarks
Houses in the Crown Heights North Historic District. Photo by Susan De Vries

The commission altered its proposal in May following a contentious public hearing in March. At that time, Meenakshi Srinivasan was the chair of  the commission before resigning in June (Fred Bland is currently the interim chair).

Commissioners Adi Shamir-Baron and Michael Devonshire both publicly stated at the meeting in May that they though another public hearing was needed before the commission votes on the matter.

Now, their wish has been granted. For more information and to see the revised proposal, click here.

Related Stories

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment