NYPAP and the Historic Districts Council co-sponsored an event entitled “The Battle for Historic Districts: Brooklyn Heights and Beyond.” This sold-out event celebrated the publication of Martin Schneider’s new book, The Battle for Brooklyn Heights, with a viewing of Schneider’s documentary on the struggle to protect New York City’s first historic district and a panel discussion on the future of the city’s 102 historic districts, a number that continues to grow. This panel–moderated by preservation consultant Seri Worden–included Brooklyn Heights protector Otis Pratt Pearsall, Landmarks Preservation Commissioner Sherida Paulsen, author and influential preservationist Jeffrey Kroessler, and Simeon Bankoff, executive director of the Historic Districts Council. In response to recent highly publicized attacks on historic districts, the panel dissected the need for more studies on the statistical benefits of preservation and more active campaigning against these assaults. The final consensus: we can not afford to be an insular community; public support is essential for the future of our historic districts.

Location:
World Monuments Fund
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2412
New York, NY 10119
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