August 16, 2021

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Sarah Carroll
Chair and Commissioner
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission 1 Centre Street, 9th Floor North
New York, NY 10007

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Dear Commissioner Carroll,

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I write in support of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) extending the Audubon Park Historic District northward along Riverside Drive in Washington Heights. This extension would safeguard a number of historical and culturally significant structures, including the Harris-Newhouse Home, also known as 857 Riverside Drive.

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857 Riverside Drive has substantial historical significance as one of the oldest buildings in Upper Manhattan, as well as direct ties to the Underground Railroad. The history of African Americans has continually been underrepresented in New York City, and we must preserve and uplift it through sites like the Harris-Newhouse Home. It is vital that we protect these places of cultural, architectural, and historical importance from the risks of demolition.

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I believe the designation of an extended Audubon Park Historic District, as outlined by numerous resolutions from Community Board 12, is both logically sound and culturally necessary. I am grateful for your consideration of this matter. Please direct any questions or further discussion toward First Deputy Public Advocate Nick E. Smith, at nsmith@advocate.nyc.gov, and Deputy Public Advocate for Housing Equity Delsenia Glover, at dglover@advocate.nyc.gov.

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Sincerely,

Jumaane D. Williams
Public Advocate for the City of New York