We’re pleased to report that last Tuesday the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) calendared, or began the process to consider for landmark designation, the former Colored School No. 4 at 128 West 17th Street, after a two-year campaign by advocates. Though just outside our neighborhoods, Village Preservation vigorously supported this effort with our own documentation and letter to the LPC emphasizing the site’s incredible importance and its connection to movements and efforts in Greenwich Village — read the letter here.

A hearing has not yet been scheduled on the proposed designation, but it must take place within six months of calendaring. Village Preservation will be strongly supporting designation, and informing the public of how they can, too.

While we are pleased that the LPC has finally chosen to move ahead on this proposal, they have consistently dragged their feet on protecting endangered sites connected to African American history in our neighborhoods. Village Preservation has long made a priority of documenting and fighting for the protection of sites in our neighborhood connected to African American, civil rights, and other marginalized or often overlooked histories.

TO HELP: