"The hardship provision of the Landmarks Law is rarely invoked; there have been only 23 applications in 60 years. To succeed in its appeal, the church must prove, among other things, that it cannot earn a 'reasonable return' (6% of property value) and that the building is not suitable for performing its charitable purpose."
"At a public hearing on 9 December, those in favour of the hardship application were outnumbered five to one. Opposing voices included residents, activists, lawyers, architects, public officials and real-estate experts who project that the leasing of space and the sale of air rights would generate revenue far exceeding the 6% reasonable return."
The sidewalk shed at West Park Presbyterian Church has protected pedestrians for 25 years due to crumbling sandstone. The church has petitioned for demolition, citing financial hardship from its landmark status. This has sparked backlash, particularly from the Center at West Park, an arts nonprofit evicted after years of legal battles. The Center hosted numerous community events and has enlisted celebrities to raise awareness and funds against the demolition. The church must prove it cannot earn a reasonable return to succeed in its appeal, which is rarely granted.
#west-park-presbyterian-church #landmark-status #financial-hardship #community-opposition #celebrity-activism
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]