From the Merchant’s Museum:
“In 2014, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a plan for construction of an eight-story hotel next door to the Merchant’s House Museum, at 27 East 4th Street. The 1832 Merchant’s House is a city, state, and federal landmark. In New York City, it is one of only 117 buildings (and one of only six residences) that is both an exterior and an interior landmark. Remarkably, landmark status does not guarantee protection from adjacent construction.
We’ve just learned the City Planning Commission has received the developer’s application for the special permits they need to begin construction.
Why Say NO!
- The proposed hotel, at 100 feet tall, is in violation of the City’s Zoning Resolution.The developer’s application for a zoning text amendment – “spot zoning” – in effect would rewrite the law for a series of waivers that benefit the developer alone.
- At eight stories, the proposed hotel towers over the 4 ½ story Merchant’s House(completely blocking sunlight to the rear garden) and is grossly incompatible with the surrounding buildings in the Noho Historic District.
- If the Planning Commission approves the application, the developer would be able to proceed – and the museum’s fragile, 186-year-old building would suffer catastrophic structural damage and likely collapse during construction.
The Merchant’s House is New York City’s only family home preserved intact, inside and out, from the 19th century. It is a vital – and irreplaceable – New York City cultural institution, open to the public since 1936.
If the Merchant’s House – Manhattan’s first designated landmark in 1965 – can’t be protected, NO New York City landmark will be safe from out-of-control private development.
How You Can Help
- WRITE the City Planning Commissionurging them to REJECT the developer’s application.
Visit gvshp.org/mhm for an easy online form. - ATTEND the Community Board 2 Public Hearing.
Wednesday, April 11, 6:30 p.m.
NYU Silver Building, 32 Waverly Place, Room 520 - SIGN our petition —If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and ask at the admissions desk. Online petition coming soon. If you are an East 4th Street resident, or nearby neighbor, we need your contact info! Email us at nyc1832@merchantshouse.org.
DONATE to the MHM Legal Fund”
Council Member Margaret Chin’s Letter of Support:
