CECPP v Bloomberg

Today, the Citizens Emergency Committee to Preserve Preservation filed a Write of Mandamus petition before the Supreme Court of the State of New York to force Mayor Bloomberg to reappoint or replace Commissioners of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) whose terms have expired. This is the first step in our efforts to ensure that LPC is more Independent . Why is this important?

1. Delay in re-appointing or replacing LPC Commissioners whose terms have expired has a negative and harmful effect on the Commission’s independence and effectiveness; undermines the lawful functioning of City government; and circumvents checks and balances that are an essential component of popular democracy. At this time, 8 of the 11 Commissioners have expired terms.

2. Holdover Commissioners who desire to be re-appointed are vulnerable to direct and indirect pressures from City Hall and from developers who have made large campaign contributions to the Mayor’s election and re-election.

3. Holdover Commissioners who do not desire to be re-appointed are susceptible to distractions from other interests.

4. Long delays in making appointments or re-appointments to the Commission destroys accountability to the people of the City by thwarting the advice and consent responsibilities of the City Council and, even more significantly, by denys citizens their opportunity to participate in public hearings guaranteed by the City Charter.

Need we say more?

A big thanks to all who signed the petition and joined our efforts.

To view a copy of the petition, click here .