Carnegie Hill Closer To Achieving Park Avenue Historic Status
Carnegie Hill Neighbors came one step closer to receiving historic status for several blocks on Park Avenue at the June 16 meeting of Community Board 8.
Upper East Side Historic District To Expand
Nearly a decade since the Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts completed its first survey on expanding the UES landmark district, the proposal has been approved.
The City Council voted June 9 to include 74 buildings along Lexington Avenue in the historic district. The expansion would cover two chunks of Lexington Avenue, one between East 63rd and 65th streets, and another from East 71st to 76th streets.
HISTORIC DISTRICT EXPANSION
Preservation groups on the Upper East Side made an important step in expanding one of the area’s landmark districts. At press time, the Landmarks Preservation Commission was slated to hold a June 3 meeting with property owners who have buildings in the proposed expansion area of the Lexington Avenue Historic District.
That is a sign the commission is considering the plan, said Sarah O’Keefe, education director for the group Friends of the Historic Upper East Side Districts. The hearing will give property owners details on the approvals necessary to make renovations in landmarked buildings. The commission will then vote to schedule a public hearing on the expanded district—that is, to calendar the proposal.
“We’re really thrilled they are actively moving forward,” O’Keefe said. “This meeting is a huge step toward getting on the calendar.”
The group has planned this expansion for seven years. The new additions are intended to cover Lexington Avenue from East 71st to 75th streets in the northern part of the current district, and East 61st to 65th streets in the southern part.
The expansion project was spearheaded by the preservation group to protect the unique characteristics of Lexington Avenue.
“It’s one of New York City’s last great main streets,” O’Keefe said.
