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Power Plant History
Waterwire.net Article
Send Us Your Comments
Wednesday April 6, 2005
A letter to Historic District s Council:
Subject: The Pennsylvania Railroad power station's demolition
Dear Mr Bankoff,
I am a resident of Long Island City and myself and others are concerned.
Residents are trying to save the building designed by McKim Mead and White.
It’s been purchased by Douglas Elliman, and the stacks and top floor are
slated for demolition.
I am trying to put together some kind of action to stop the destruction
of this historical building.
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If you can help in anyway, I would be grateful. I am just a local resident and don’t know the best avenue for creating as much noise as possible.
The sister power plant in Manhattan was given protection long ago. But Queens seems to get the bums rush when it comes to preserving our historical landmarks.
Thank you,
Dirk Kennedy
More from Mr. Kennedy
The reply:
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Dear Mr. Kennedy,
Thanks for your interest. I am aware of the situation with the LIC power plant - the Roebling Chapter of the Society for Industrial Archaeology has been working to save this building for awhile but, unfortunately to no avail. I have copied Mary Habstritt, president of the Chapter, on this e-mail.
To be frank, there's not a lot that can be done at this point. The Landmarks Commission has, indeed, been dragging their feet on many, many buildings. There has been a lot of pressure from community preservationists throughout the city to get more attention, especially since we are in the most intense development upswing in 15 years. However, in this particular case, the permits are issued & they probably won't be rescinded.
Calling the local papers and calling your politicians are the most obvious things to do. If work has been begun, calling the buildings department and making certain they have ALL their permits and do EVERYTHING exactly by the book is another thing to do. If you have technical skills, creating a website might be another useful avenue. Sorry to not be more helpful - there is no magic bullet but I will continue think on this. Please keep me appraised of what's going on.
Simeon Bankoff
Executive Director
Historic Districts Council
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