BILL NUMBER:  S1417

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to the creation
and recognition of architectural districts

 PURPOSE :

To allow for the creation and recognition of architectural districts
in a city with a population of one million or more.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1 of this bill amends the article heading of article 5-K of
the general municipal law to read as "Historic Preservation and
Architectural Districts."

Section 2 amends the general municipal law by adding a new section
119-ddd which states that the legislative body of a city with a
population of one million or more shall recognize and establish an
architectural district or commission with such powers as are necessary
to carry out all or any of the authority possessed by the municipality
for such creation, as the local legislative body deems appropriate.

Subdivision 2 of this section requires an individual to submit a
              

detailed plan setting forth architectural design characteristics such
as, but not limited to, natural areas, aesthetics, and open spaces
within the community. These plans shall include a rendering, drawing,
sketch prepared to specifications that shows the arrangement, layout,
and design of the proposed architectural district and shall be
reviewed pursuant to subdivision three of this section.

Subdivision 3 of this section states that after notice and public
hearing by the governing board of such municipality, regarding a
proposed creation and recognition of an architectural district, such
board shall determine whether to recognize and establish such district
and preserve the qualities it deems qualified as such district.

Subdivision 4 of this section states that the governing board of the
municipality in which an architectural district is created and
recognized, pursuant to subdivision three of this section, shall
determine the entity who shall enforce the preservation of such
district.

Section 3 states that this act shall take effect immediately.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Currently, neighborhoods can change their zoning to protect against
overdevelopment or apply for historic district designation to protect
the historic character of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, some
neighborhoods have been unsuccessful in obtaining either type of
protection due to the difficulty in getting an area zoned as a special
district or because of the overly restrictive qualifications that are
required for a historic district designation.

For example, many neighborhoods, such as Broadway-Flushing in Queens,
have spent years fighting against the Landmark Preservation
Commission's refusal to designate their neighborhood as a historic
district.

This bill would afford neighborhoods throughout New York City an
alternative path for maintaining the character of their neighborhood
through a mechanism that is less stringent than is required to create
special zoning districts or landmark designations. By mandating that
the City establish architectural districts, residents will be given
another opportunity to retain the unique architectural integrity of
their community that would otherwise be lost to development.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

New bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

Minimal.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.