Historic Districts Council Announces
2012 “Six to Celebrate,” Six NYC Neighborhoods Meriting Preservation
The Port Morris Gantries, in the South Bronx, are one of the initiatives selected.
Check out the NY Daily News article here.
The Historic Districts Council, New York’s city-wide advocate for historic buildings and neighborhoods, announces 2012 Six to Celebrate, an annual listing of historic New York City neighborhoods that merit preservation attention. This is New York’s only citywide list of preservation priorities.
The Port Morris Gantries, in the South Bronx, are one of the initiatives selected.
The groups will be formally introduced at the Six to Celebrate Launch Party on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 5:30-7:30pm at the Bowery Poetry Club (308 Bowery at East First Street). For more information or tickets, visit www.hdc.org.
The six neighborhoods were chosen from applications submitted by neighborhood groups around the city on the basis of the architectural and historic merit of the area, the level of threat to the neighborhood, strength and willingness of the local advocates, and where HDC’s citywide preservation perspective and assistance could be the most meaningful. Throughout 2012, HDC will work with these neighborhood partners to set and reach preservation goals through strategic planning, advocacy, outreach, programs and publicity.
“Neighborhoods throughout New York are fighting an unseen struggle to determine their own futures. By bringing these locally-driven neighborhood preservation efforts into the spotlight, HDC hopes to focus New Yorker’s attention on the very real threats that historic communities throughout the city are facing from indiscriminate and inappropriate development.” said Simeon Bankoff, HDC’s Executive Director. “As the only list of its kind in New York City, the Six to Celebrate will help raise awareness of local efforts to save neighborhoods on a citywide level.”
“We look forward to the attention that Six to Celebrate will garner to help protect a valuable piece of New York’s nautical history and make better use of a public space for our local community. The historic resources of the South Bronx deserve the same attention and investment as other waterfronts of the City.” said Harry Bubbins of Friends of Brook Park.
Founded in 1971 as a coalition of community groups from New York City’s designated historic districts, the Historic Districts Council has grown to become one of the foremost citywide voices for historic preservation. Serving a network of over 500 neighborhood-based community groups in all five boroughs, HDC strives to protect, preserve and enhance New York City’s historic buildings and neighborhoods through ongoing programs of advocacy, community development and education.
Port Morris Gantries, The Bronx
In the South Bronx neighborhood of Port Morris, a pair of ferry gantries deteriorating in an empty lot may seem an eyesore to some, but the Friends of Brook Park sees them as the centerpiece to an engaging public space. Taking inspiration from other New York City waterside parks, this new park will combine recreation, education, and preservation of New York’s history for residents and visitors alike.
Learn more about the other selections here.
Contact: Simeon Bankoff, Executive Director, Historic Districts Council
212-614-9107, sbankoff AT hdc.org