$50,000 grant is solely dedicated to the replacement of old and creation of new signs identifying the City’s 105 Historic Districts

City Hall – New York City Council Speaker Quinn today praised a new $50,000 grant to the Historic Landmarks Preservation Foundation. The grant, allocated by the Bodman Foundation following dedicated efforts by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center Chair Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel, will ensure the city’s 105 historic districts are properly identified with appropriate signage.

The city’s historic district street sign program was created in the 1990’s under Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel, then Chair of the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation, to foster a sense of pride in historic districts throughout the city. The program was also designed to raise awareness about a neighborhood’s historic status with a goal of limiting the number of violations caused in the community. The terracotta street signs have since become a recognizable symbol of New York City and are prominently featured on television, movies and print and TV advertising. Numerous other cities throughout the country have emulated New York City’s efforts to recognize significant historic communities.

Currently, it is estimated that there are 436 blocks within designated or soon-to-be designated historic districts that lack proper signage. The survey of missing signs will be administered by the Historic Districts Council, the citywide advocate for historic districts.

“These signs have become a symbol of our city’s dedication to history and preservation, and I am very excited to see funding dedicated to this project,” Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “These signs not only educate the public, but they also help build a sense of pride and unity amongst their respective neighborhood’s residents. I want to thank Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel for her tireless efforts to ensure the city’s historic district have the proper signage and the Bodman Foundation for providing this much needed grant.”

“This project is an excellent example of a public-private partnership and I applaud Speaker Quinn for her support,” said Historic Landmarks Preservation Center Chair Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel. “The Historic Street District street signs play an important role in educating both residents and tourists of New York City’s rich history.”
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