Demolition of old buildings could require review process

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer plans to propose a law requiring plans to raze buildings more than 50 years old to be reviewed.

Should the legislation pass, the Landmarks Preservation Commission would have to consider each building for landmark status publicly for 30 days before demolition would be allowed.

The new law would also prevent building owners from obtaining permits to tear down property under consideration for protection, Crain’s reported.

The pitch comes amid complaints from landlords and the Real Estate Board of New York that too much of New York City has already been landmarked, stifling new development.

Brewer also asked the commission to Study Structures On West 57th Street, where the five-story prewar building once home to Rizzoli bookstore is slated for alteration. The building at 31 West 57th Street, being developed by the LeFrak Organization and Vornado Realty Trust, has so far failed to receive landmark designation twice. [Crain’s] — Angela Hunt