LPC Launches Climate Resiliency Initiative

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Press Release

For Immediate Release: May 28, 2024

Contact: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, 212-669-7938

Landmarks Preservation Commission Launches LPC Climate Resiliency Initiative

Initiative Strengthens City and Agency Sustainability Capabilities, Advances Ability to Respond Quickly and Efficiently to Any Future Climate-Related Weather Events

LPC Received a $500,000 Federal Grant to Lead Initiative Focused on Historic Resources in NYC's Waterfront and Flood Zones

2024 Hurricane Season Begins in June; LPC's Climate Resiliency Initiative Will Enhance New York City's Response Mobilization Capabilities for Future Climate-Related Weather Events

New York – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) announced the launch of the LPC Climate Resiliency Initiative, an agency-wide sustainability effort focused on New York City's waterfront historic resources that will enable more agile and efficient response mobilization in the aftermath of any future climate-related weather events.

Through the NYC Emergency Management Department (NYCEM), LPC was awarded a $500,000 multi-year hazard mitigation grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to lead the initiative, which will leverage LPC's expertise to address historic properties that may be vulnerable during climate-related weather events.

As part of this initiative, LPC will undertake a major survey of properties located in the city's flood zones, develop geospatial data collection tools to record and monitor historic resources in these areas, and share this information with state, local and federal partners. This information will support hazard mitigation planning, advance efforts to reduce the impact of future weather events, and allow for a faster city, state, and federal response in the event of future weather-related events.

LPC's work will also include efforts to address hazard mitigation of designated landmarks and buildings in historic districts through an outreach campaign designed to educate owners of landmark properties in flood-prone areas on the potential impacts of storms, provide guidance on preservation-friendly mitigation measures, and support owners looking to undertake climate efficiency and resiliency work on their designated buildings.

"I congratulate the Landmarks Preservation Commission's effort to honor our city's history and future by strengthening the resiliency of our waterfront historic properties to withstand climate-related events," said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. "I also thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their leadership in this critical work."

"New York City has been leading the way on climate change, and LPC's climate resiliency initiative represents the next step in the city's proactive approach – an investment in the future of our historic resources to ensure they are better protected and more resilient as we look to a future," said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. "With funding from FEMA, this initiative will enhance our city's response mobilization capabilities, support interagency coordination, and strengthen channels of communication with our landmark building owners."

"As we contend with the extreme weather impacts of climate change, building-level resiliency is essential for new and historic buildings alike," said Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice Executive Director Elijah Hutchinson. "The LPC Climate Resiliency initiative will protect the treasured community resources that are core to New York City's cultural history, and it will encourage other cities to follow our example."

"As hurricane season approaches, it is crucial for property owners to enhance their property's resilience and have access to tools for rapid recovery post-disaster," said Mayor's Office of Housing Recovery Operations Executive Director Rudy S. Giuliani. "The initiative that the Landmarks Preservation Commission is undertaking will provide vital information to the City and property owners during 'blue skies' periods, enabling us to maximize assistance after a disaster. Our past experiences have shown that having more information can significantly expedite recovery efforts and I applaud LPC for assisting these unique properties."

"NYCEM is dedicated to not only responding to emergencies, but proactively building a more resilient city," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. "Protecting the landmarks and properties that hold New York City's character and history must be part of that mission. NYCEM and LCP's interagency collaboration strengthens both of our missions. Through this grant, NYCEM will expand our flood risk mapping to safeguard historic landmarks and enhance our Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to create a safer city overall."

"It will take all of us to improve New York's sustainability and resiliency, and we're proud to be working with LPC and partners across government to address climate risks," said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick. "Understanding how landmarked buildings can adapt to a changing climate and related risks is critical to the future of our neighborhoods, and we're happy to support that work through smart planning and by aligning our zoning to help address these risks."

"Making our coastal communities more resilient to climate change-induced extreme weather means recognizing the cultural significance of these historic buildings to their respective neighborhoods while simultaneously seeking ways to provide flood protection along the city's waterfront," said Deputy Commissioner of Coastal Resilience Laurian Farrell, New York City Department of Environmental Protection. "This newly announced initiative will allow the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to identify and fortify vulnerable landmark properties within the city's flood zones."

The Adams administration has made combatting the impact of climate change a priority as part of city's strategic climate plan, PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done, and LPC has implemented regulatory changes to help improve the climate resiliency and efficiency of New York City's historic resources, including new rules that make the application process faster and easier for owners seeking agency approval for specific types of building updates that would improve the climate resiliency and sustainability of landmark properties.

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About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City's architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 37,900 buildings and sites, including 1,462 individual landmarks, 121 interior landmarks, 12 scenic landmarks, and 156 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us via www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks. To learn more about LPC's Historic Preservation Grant Program and how to apply, go to https://www1.nyc.gov/site/lpc/about/historic-preservation-grant-program.page