June Newsletter 2023

Inside This Issue

• Strengthening Protections for Vulnerable Buildings
• Honoring and Preserving Black History in NYC: (Former) Colored School No. 4 Designated as Individual Landmark
• Bushwick’s First Historic District Designated
• Awards and Events
• Two New Faces at LPC
  • Steven Thomson, Director of Community and Intergovernmental Affairs
  • Courtney Clark Metakis, Director of Communications

A big announcement that stands to bolster LPC’s ability to safeguard our city’s most vulnerable historic buildings: LPC Chair Sarah Carroll joined Mayor Adams and Department of Buildings Acting Commissioner Kazimir Vilenchik in announcing an action plan that strengthens the tools we have at our disposal to protect our aging and most vulnerable landmark buildings, and codifies enhanced communication channels, both between agencies and the communities we serve.

LPC and DOB identified three primary risks to designated buildings: pre-existing unknown structural conditions, demolition by neglect, and illegal work by contractors/contractor error. In response, the agencies developed strategies to identify vulnerable buildings earlier and strengthen their enforcement. This initiative seeks to earlier detection of pre-existing conditions, enhanced monitoring of vulnerable buildings, increased engineering review and oversight, and enhanced community tools and outreach.

On May 23rd, the Commission voted unanimously to designate (Former) Colored School No. 4 as an individual landmark, following moving declarations of support from LPC commissioners who spoke to the importance of protecting this significant site of Black history. The building is Manhattan’s only remaining example of a school that exclusively served the Black community during the dark period in the late 19th Century in which New York City mandated racial segregation in its public schools. Though not in use as a school since 1894, the building remained New York City property and has been utilized for a variety of purposes, most recently by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY).

Shortly after the Commission’s vote to safeguard the site, Mayor Adams – along with LPC Chair Sarah Carroll and DSNY Commissioner Jessica Tisch – reinforced the strength of the City’s commitment by announcing $6 million in funding to rehabilitate the building.

The designation and funding will allow the site to be stabilized and preserved for future generations as an important reminder of the systemic racism and segregation endured by the Black community – and as a testament to their perseverance and commitment to education in the face of terrible discrimination. You can read the press release here, or get more information in the designation report here.

LPC is proud to add (Former) Colored School No. 4 to the expanding list of protected sites that tell the story of the contributions and achievements of the Black community in NYC through its designated landmarks and historic districts. You can find more information on our interactive story map, Preserving Significant Places of Black History.

What better way to take advantage of our beautiful spring weather than by taking a walk through NYC’s newest historic district?

On May 9th, LPC voted to designate a stunning section of Linden Street as Bushwick’s first historic district – the latest example of LPC’s commitment to geographic diversity in designations as part of our Equity Framework. The Linden Street Historic District includes a remarkable collection of distinctive row houses representing a range of different but highly integrated styles. You can read the press release here, or get more information in the designation report here.

Click here to check out the map of Linden Street Historic District – or any of the other 43 designated historic districts in Brooklyn.

LPC Chair Sarah Carroll Honored

On May 23rd, LPC Chair Sarah Carroll was honored as an “Icon of New York City” by the Historic House Trust (HHT) of New York City at their annual Founders Award Celebration, held this year at Tavern on the Green in (scenic landmark!) Central Park. Chair Carroll and fellow honorees, Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab and historic preservation consulting firm Higgins Quasebarth & Partners, were recognized for their important contributions to helping preserve the cultural heritage of New York City.

It was a special night, and a thrill to be joined by so many committed, passionate leaders gathering to celebrate the importance of historic preservation as New York City looks to the future.

(L-R) NYC Parks Deputy Commissioner for Capital Projects Therese Braddick, LPC Chair Sarah Carroll, HHT Executive Director Meredith Horsford, LPC Commissioner and HHT member Diana Chapin, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden President and CEO Adrian Benepe attend the Historic House Trust annual Founders Award Celebration on Tuesday, May 23, 2023

We are thrilled to announce two new faces here at LPC, with both Steven Thomson (Director of Community and Intergovernmental Affairs) and Courtney Clark Metakis (Director of Communications) joining the LPC team in just the past few weeks.

Steven Thomson, Director of Community and Intergovernmental Affairs

Steven Thomson has centered his career on engaging communities and elected officials in preservation, economic development, and sustainability initiatives to foster a dynamic and inclusive city. He previously served as Director of Thought Leadership at the Central Park Conservancy, where he developed strategies for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), multimodal transportation accessibility, Indigenous community engagement, and climate change preparedness for one of the city’s most iconic scenic landmarks.

Before joining the Conservancy, Steven was Vice President, Real Estate & Communications at Kasirer, in which he led nonprofits and property owners in government and community relations for land use planning within historic contexts. He previously held positions in external affairs at Brooklyn Historical Society and Van Alen Institute, where he created opportunities for the public to participate in celebrating New York City’s vibrant history.

Steven is also involved in the preservation of open green space as President of the Board of Directors for the Brooklyn Queens Land Trust, a nonprofit organization that protects and stewards community gardens.

Courtney Clark Metakis, Director of Communications

Courtney joins LPC after a 20-year career in research, strategy, and communications, where she served as a strategic thought partner for some of the world’s largest corporations and most influential organizations, advising clients across all aspects of the communications process.

Her career began at NBC News, where she worked as an Emmy Award-winning producer and writer at both the national and local levels.

In addition to her professional work, Courtney served as an appointed member of Manhattan's Community Board 7 (CB7), co-chaired CB7’s Youth, Education, and Libraries (YEL) committee, and served on its Communications Task Force.

A warm welcome to both Steven and Courtney!