Census of Places That Matter

Editor's Note: The following was adapted from an article by Laura Hansen that appeared in the Winter 1998 newsletter of the Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts. Laura Hansen is the Director of Place Matters.

When the residents of Spanish Camp were fighting to save their homes (for some the only home they've ever known) they were struggling to save a place of both personal and collective history. A place of significance, not for its architectural merit, but for its cultural importance, a "cultural" landmark. Like so many historical and cultural sites throughout the city, the fate of Spanish Camp is precarious--and problematic. Although the Landmarks law allows for the designation ofbuildings and districts of historical or cultural significance, less than a handful out of the hundreds designated have been landmarked for their cultural or historical significance alone. The Louis Armstrong House in Queens is probably the best known example.

Despite the preservation difficulties they pose, these kinds of places have the power to galvanize unusual coalitions of "preservationists." These coalitions are a testament to the need for new ways of thinking about historic preservation: ways that preserve sites and buildings not solely for their architectural merit, but also for their historical and cultural importance.

What are historical or cultural "landmarks" and why do they matter They are places where history happened; places where history and culture can be remembered and understood; and places where vital events are still happening. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society Shrine in Rosebank is a prime example of a cultural landmark of great significance where the annual feast continues to nurture traditions ands upport the community.

Association with historical events, tradition, communal identity, the fondness that comes with long familiarity and use--all can make a building or a place significant in peoples lives. These meanings are part of our collective cultural heritage, and enrich our lives.

In June of 1998, the Municipal Art Society and City Lore launched Place Matters, an advocate for New York's places of history, story, and tradition. Place Matters is the legacy of an MAS-ledtask force convened in 1992 to ask the question: "What are we doing to protect our historical and cultural sites, and is itenough?" The group's findings, published as History Happened Here, A Plan for Saving New York City's Historically and Culturally Significant Sites, are not just about landmarking. This plan encourages those who love the city to recognize traces of history in all its many wonderful and often unexpected) guises, and to care for them with the same regard that they extend to the beautiful cornice or the rare fanlight.

Place Matters intends to create a new climate of awareness in which communities can act to protect historical and cultural places before they are threatened by increasing public awareness of cherished places, by making the case for their value to communities and public policy makers, by supporting the efforts of concerned citizens across the city, and by working toward supportive planning and preservation policies, especially the designation of more historical and cultural landmarks.

The Census of Places that Matter is a city-wide inventory of New York's historically and culturally significant sites. Place Matters is compiling information on places throughout the city are important because of their history and traditions. The purpose of this information is to make these places, and their history, better known and to ensure their preservation.

You can nominate your beloved places by submitting answers to the following:

For more information, call: 212-935-3960, ext. 259

Placed on the
STATEWIDE ENDANGERED PROPERTIES LIST:
FARM COLONY-SEA VIEW HOSPITAL HISTORIC DISTRICT

The Preservation League of New York State, dedicated to the protection of New York's diverse and rich heritage of historic buildings, districts and landscapes has issued a list of the seven most endangered properties in New York State. Staten Island's own New York City Farm Colony-Sea View Hospital Historic District is second on the list with the following information.

The early twentieth century buildings and grounds of the Farm Colony, established as a poor farm, and Sea View Hospital, the largest tuberculosis hospital of its date in the country, face "demolition by neglect," an all-too-familiar threat to properties that have been abandoned and left to the ravages of time. In August 1999, the New York City Department of Buildings issued an emergency order to demolish one building in the district. Many other buildings remain open to the elements and the city has no plans for their future reuse. Forty acres of open space within this district is for sale to private developers, as the city has issued a request for proposals to develop senior housing on the land.

Seaview
Seaview Women's Pavillion Detail

The Preservation League of NYS goes on to say:

Some of the most significant historic properties in New York State are also the most threatened, and on the vergeof disappearing. Striving to protect our most valued resources, the Preservation League of New York State has issued a call for help. Seven historic and visually stunning links to the Empire State's heritage have been placed on a list of the most threatened properties, themost endangered places, the seven to save.

The other six on the list are the Eastman Dental Dispensary in Rochester; Camp Satanoni in Newcomb; Corning Free Academy, Corning; U.S. Route 20 (Cherry Valley Turnpike); a portion of the East End Historic District in Newburgh and the view from Olana in Greenport.

JOIN THE PRESERVATION LEAGUE OF STATEN ISLAND TODAY!

"Preservation, Not Demolition"--If that's what you believe, this is where you belong. Whether you're an old-house owner, a history buff, an antiques collector, an environmentalist, or just a lover of old houses, neighborhoods or fine old buildings, the Preservation League of Staten Island is where you belong.

Since its organization in 1977, the Preservation League of Staten Island has devoted its time, energy and limited resources to identifying, fostering an appreciation for, and supporting the preservation of Staten Island's historic built environment through a wide variety of activities-- and with continuing success.

We invite you to join us as a member and welcome your ideas, involvement and support.

Mail your dues to the Preservation League today with the membershipf orm printed below and receive FREE ADMISSION to the Holiday House Tour on December 19th! Send $ 8.00 Student/Senior; $15.00 Individual; $25.00 Family; $50.00 Patron ;$100.00 Corporate to PLSI, P.O. Box 010071, St. George, Staten Island, NY 10301

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