Join us, Councilmember Chris Marte, and local community, housing, and preservation organizations to oppose the proposed demolition of 139 Thompson Street, a landmarked 1875 tenement. The owner wants to replace the historic structure just below Houston Street in the Sullivan Thompson Historic District, which contains 19 housing units, 12 of which were rent-regulated (affordable), with just six much larger and vastly more expensive apartments. This is a classic example of how historic preservation can help preserve housing and affordability, and how demolition and new development can destroy it.

The owner’s application to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to demolish the building is based on unfounded claims that it’s in too bad a state of disrepair to fix, even though he’s owned the building for approximately two decades, neglected it, and racked up building code violations for conditions there. Allowing him to demolish and rebuild will facilitate turning this building of modest housing into new, much more expensive housing, and destroy rent-regulated units, as well as history that is supposed to be preserved. 

In advance of the Landmarks Preservation Commission hearing on the application on Tuesday, February 24, we will be rallying to oppose any approvals for demolition. 

TO HELP:

Join us for the rally Friday, February 20 at 1 pm in front of 139 Thompson Street, just below Houston Street