"To lose this piece of history, the only home that Monroe ever owned, would be a devastating blow for historic preservation and for a city where less than 3% of historic designations are associated with women's heritage," said Councilmember Traci Park.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recognize the 1889 Romanesque Revival school building for its architectural significance and its role in expanding educational opportunities for women, immigrants, and working-class New Yorkers.
In a city of about 120,000 residents, it takes only about 50 to trigger the process. If that designation is issued on the grounds that the site has some historic value, future attempts to alter the property become much more challenging. It's a tool councilmembers and housing advocates say has been weaponized to prevent or delay housing development in the city.
Aiming to clear roadblocks to building housing in Berkeley, the city may soon create stricter requirements for its landmark designations process. In a city of about 120,000 residents, it takes only about 50 to trigger the process. If that designation is issued on the grounds that the site has some historic value, future attempts to alter the property become much more challenging. It's a tool councilmembers and housing advocates say has been weaponized to prevent or delay housing development in the city.
As San Francisco leaders finalize their plan to make way for thousands of new homes, they have heard the same criticism: New construction could dramatically change the quaint and quirky character of San Francisco neighborhoods. On Wednesday, the Planning Department and Supervisor Connie Chan will host a community forum to discuss designating 10 neighborhood buildings as historic landmarks there. The event will inform Mayor Daniel Luries Family Zoning Plan, which includes a landmark designation program.
