Gothamist: Preservationists 1, Developers 1

Traci

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 12:21:36 -0500

I wish they would consider current use of the space, too. That condo building is going to eat the whole Amsterdam side of that block, including Amsterdam Billiards, Equinox, and maybe the Westside Brewing Co, too? The best pool hall on the UWS is moving to the East Village as a result! I am heartbroken and a little angry, but that's the way the real estate cookie crumbles. That was such a neat space Amsterdam Billiards had. They're closing Dec 31st, last I heard. Oh, and VinnySmells- Chirping Chicken is moving across the street. To get to the other side. Or something.

po

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 23:41:04 -0500

I can't wait until Manhattan looks like downtown Houston.

BooHoo

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:03:10 -0500

the building that was spared houses a fancy restaurant (Citrus). the building that was axed a fast food joint. coincidence? Probably.

Perry

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:38:30 -0500

This is what happens what you have a system in place that only has penalties for staying historic. Everything about the preservation process entails additional costs incurred to the owner of the building as a result of being landmarked. IF we really thought that historical landmarked buildings were socially beneficial, shouldn't we step up to the place and offer some sort of financial offset to owners to designate buildings and keep them historic? I bet a lot more owners would designate their buildings..

VinnySmells

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:08:43 -0500

The "Chirping Chicken" shall chirp no more!! Ha ha ha ha ha!

Vinny

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 14:43:45 -0500

we have to preserve this building Why? I don't think we should just raze every building in the city to make room for condo towers. Hardly. In fact, that kind of stuff annoys me too. But these gonzo preservationists who think that every piece of graffiti on a warehouse is art and therefore the building it's scrawled on must be saved annoy the crap out of me. Just look at the list of stuff they want to save. The Domino's Sugar factory? Why in God's name would you save it? For what? I honestly can't wrap my head around these people and their quest to "save" stuff. I laugh every time I see some "neighborhood activist" in W'burg standing in front of some blown out building just losing their mind over how we have to preserve it. Where were you when the graffiti was being painted on it? Or when the crackhead was moving into it? Go away people.

S

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 13:46:09 -0500

I AM SO SICK OF ALL THE CONDOS.