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Velázquez Pushes to Preserve Historic Site as City Landmark

Date: March 31, 2006
Location: New York, NY
Issues: Housing and Property


Velázquez Pushes to Preserve Historic Site as City Landmark

NEW YORK - Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today in a letter requested that the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission consider that the location of 605 East 9th Street, the former CHARAS/El Bohio Cultural and Community Center, be preserved under Landmark status. The text of the letter is provided below:

March 31, 2006

Mr. Robert B. Tierney, Chair
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10007

Re: 605 E 9th Street (Block 392, Lot 10)
P.S. 64 (previously also known as CHARAS/El Bohio Cultural and Community Center)

Dear Mr. Tierney,

I am writing, once again, to express my strong support for the consideration of 605 East 9th Street for Landmark status. As you will recall from our recent meeting to discuss the Purchase Building in Brooklyn Bridge Park, I am a strong advocate for preserving historical properties throughout my congressional district.

Throughout the Lower East Side, we have seen a flood of conversions to luxury condominiums, with community gardens and historic buildings being razed for new, high cost housing. As gentrification continues to threaten both the ability of long-standing residents to remain in the neighborhood as well the community's diverse character, it is all the more pressing to ensure that buildings such as the former CHARAS/El Bohio Cultural and Community Center are preserved.

As I mentioned in previous correspondence to your office, recognition as a Landmark would go a long way in preserving the integrity of this building that has offered so much to local residents over the years. Not only did it serve as a cultural and community center for 20 years, but it embodied the spirit of the neighborhood's history of organizing and grassroots activism. Granting this architecturally and historically significant treasure Landmark status would go a long way in acknowledging the importance of the years of service provided in the building - and pave the way for its return as a cultural and social hub for local residents.

I, therefore, urge you to support the consideration of 605 East 9th Street for Landmark status.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez
Member of Congress

http://www.house.gov/velazquez/PressReleases/2006/pr033106.htm

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