Proposed Bill Fast Tracks LPC Properties

By Mario Aurioso

A City Council bill introduced last week would give the Landmarks Preservation Commission the ability to make decisions on the fate of nearly 100 buildings that are designated as “Calendared.”

Currently, once designated as “calendared,” the LPC faces no pressure or time limit on how long they can keep a building with this status. This can mean problems for property owners, as they can’t make alterations to their buildings under this status.

The new bill would require LPC to hold a hearing on a structure within 180 days of the request for historic status. This would follow with a vote within another 180 days. There’s also consideration for an entire district – in such cases LPC would have two years total to arrive at their decision.

After the proposed deadline, the building would be removed from the list. After five years, it could be resubmitted.