Greenpoint named one of six historic districts to celebrate

Greenpoint was one of the 2013 Six to Celebrate neighborhoods in New York by the Historic District Council (HDC).

The six neighborhoods were chosen by the HDC based on historic and architectural merit, and also on the level of threat landmarks in that neighborhood are subject to. The HDC selects neighborhoods with willing advocates, where their efforts to preserve historic landmarks would be most appreciated.

Greenpoint was a largely industrial area in the 19^th century, and still is home to a number of historic factory buildings and workers’ housing today, which keeps the neighborhood rooted in its cultural history. This area has been declared the Greenpoint Historic District.

Greenpoint officials are thrilled at the recognition their neighborhood is receiving.

“As a Greenpoint resident, I am thrilled that the Historic Districts Council has chosen to celebrate the neighborhood’s  industrial past,” said Councilmember Stephen Levin. “As our community evolves, it is important to recognize and preserve our history. I invite all New Yorkers to visit Greenpoint and enjoy the architecture, culture and everything else that the neighborhood has to offer.”

“Greenpoint has some great architecture that should be preserved. The Historic District Council’s recognition of the need to preserve Greenpoint and the character of the neighborhood’s manufacturing past is crucial for our future generations. I commend them on their choice,” said Assemblyman Joe Lentol.

Only one other neighborhood honored this year is in Brooklyn: Sunset Park. The remaining honorees are the Bronx Parks System, the East Village/Lower East Side, Harrison Street in Staten Island, and Tribeca in Manhattan.

The Six to Celebrate will be formally announced on January 29. Then HDC will work with the neighborhoods throughout 2013 to preserve their historic significance through planning, advocacy, outreach programs and publicity.

“We’re working closely with these community organizations [such as] the Sunset Park Landmarks Committee and Preservation Greenpoint, trying to achieve goals,” said HDC Executive Director Simeon Bankoff. “These are new organizations, with enthusiastic core groups looking for a lot of guidance to reach their goals.”

Sunset Park contains over 3,000 row houses and brownstones built in the late 19^th and early 20^th century, according to the Sunset Park Business Improvement District (BID). The neighborhood is also home to Green-Wood Cemetery, which was named a historical landmark in 1996, and impressive religious architecture, such as Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica.

Councilmember Sara M. González, a born and raised Sunset Park resident, is proud to see her neighborhood be presented with such an hono

“I love the rich architectural history of our neighborhoods and I am very pleased the community is uniting around this initiative,” said González. “I am proud to support them in any way I can so that they might explore ways in which future generations can embrace the beauty of Sunset Park just as I did growing up and living my life here.”

The Sunset Park Landmarks Committee submitted the neighborhood for approval by the HDC to celebrate and protect its architectural and cultural significance.

“I am so grateful for concerned residents like Darleen Vecchio and the members of the Sunset Park Landmarks Committee who commit so much of their time to help Sunset Park continue to improve.  When we come together in partnership great things like this can happen,” said González.