Katz, Tierney attend historical district hearing

Councilwoman Melinda Katz, Landmarks Sub Committee Chair Jessica Lappin and colleagues hosted a hearing that discussed designating areas in Queens as historical districts.
Landmarks Preservation Commission Chairman Robert Tierney was invited to address the community and city council members regarding the need for more historical districts in Queens. Councilmembers and the public expressed concernsabout the designation process and the extensive length of time it takes to establish a historical district. A major point of scrutiny was the disparity of historical districts that exist in the boroughs of Queens (6), Staten Island (3), Bronx (9), and Brooklyn (16) as compared to Manhattan (55).
Consequently, Chairman Tierney promised the council and Queens residents that the Landmarks Preservation Commission would continue to work diligently to meet the needs of the borough of Queens.
“This hearing is an important step in preserving the beautiful and historical neighborhoods that exist throughout many parts of Queens,” said Katz. “My colleagues and I will continue to work with Chairman Robert Tierney and the Landmarks Preservation Commission to establish the historical districts that residents of Queens want and deserve.”
Katz gave special thanks to Landmarks Sub Committee Chair Councilwoman Jessica Lappin, Councilman Dennis Gallagher, Councilman Leroy Comrie, Councilman John Liu and Councilwoman Rosie Mendez and members of the community for their participation and insight during the hearing. Katz also thanked Landmarks Preservation Commissioner Robert Tierney and staff for listening to the concerns of the public and their willingness to work hard to ensure that Queens gets the historical districts it deserves.