One might complain about how long it takes for a historic district designation to make its way to a vote, but consider that many view the LPC as an understaffed and underfunded city agency. Then consider the fact that one of the four historic districts designated in 2015 – the Bedford Historic District in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn – contains 824 buildings. The designation report contains at least a paragraph on each one of those buildings.

Since this legislation is essentially an unfunded mandate, it’s no surprise that preservationists are furious over it, but they’re not alone. Council Members Rosie Mendez, Ben Kallos, and Corey Johnson all joined them at City Hall, hoping the bill could become one for which they could vote.

“Last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our landmarks law with fanfare, with proclamations,” Kallos said. “…just as those same people were plotting against it.”