Dear Friends,
I will be stepping down as President of The New York Landmarks Conservancy at the end of this year after a rewarding 32-year tenure. Time, indeed, does fly when you are having fun.
It’s a privilege to be part of this remarkable organization. I have been fortunate to work with dedicated and thoughtful Board and Advisory Council Members and incredibly talented colleagues. I have had the opportunity to meet wonderful people throughout the City who care about the buildings, neighborhoods, and institutions that preserve our history, identity, and quality of life.
There have been many highlights:
- After 9/11, we participated in formal sessions about the future of Ground Zero and saved the Survivors Staircase, which is now in the 9/11 Museum.
- After Superstorm Sandy, we sped grants to nonprofits damaged by the wind and water.
- We saved the Picasso Curtain, which hung in the Four Seasons restaurant in the Seagram Building, and found it a featured home in The New York Historical.
- We remained committed to the creation of Moynihan Train Hall through years of delay.
- We brought national and international attention, and some preliminary help, to the deteriorated hospital buildings on the South Side of Ellis Island in the late 1990s. We’ve been on the board of Save Ellis Island, which cares for the South Side buildings, since its inception.
- We commissioned the first studies of the economic benefits of preservation to the City. Recent data shows that preservation is an important factor in the quest for more housing.
- We managed the only preservation fund created by a Federal Empowerment Zone and disbursed $4 million in grants and loans to Harlem religious and cultural institutions.
- We strengthened our voice on public policy issues in Albany, Washington, and at City Hall.
- We initiated our Living Landmarks Gala, demonstrating that a remarkable range of New Yorkers care about preservation. Our Sacred Sites Open House weekend allows thousands of New Yorkers to explore our incredible array of religious institutions. Our annual Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards now attract 600 persons.
- Our Tourist in Your Own Town videos have been viewed over 600,0000 times by people in this country and around the world.
- I’ve had the opportunity to do workshops and talks about preservation around the country and in St. Petersburg, Russia, Vancouver, Canada, Tbilisi, Georgia, and Havana, Cuba.
There is plenty of work to do in my remaining months here. After, I will look for ways to continue to be involved in civic issues. Before coming here, I reported on State and City politics for statewide public television and later worked for the then City Council Speaker. I’ve always felt it is important to be a part of your time.
The Conservancy is in a good place and well-positioned for a thoughtful transition. All the good work we do here will continue.
My deepest thanks to the Board, Advisory Council, colleagues, and all of you who help preserve the City we love.
