Today, the Landmarks Preservation Commission decision has affirmed values that define New York: we will not stand for intolerance, or let it stand in the way of building a diverse, vibrant city composed of people from all over the world. Our hallmark is our diversity, and I stand with the people of Lower Manhattan, the members of Community Board 1, and my colleagues in government to say that tolerance, diversity and mutual respect are as vital in the case of Cordoba House today as they have been in 400 years of New York history.