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NEWS
Grand Central Terminal: Historic Preservation 30 Years On
September 7, 2009
We live in a high-tech, ever-changing and dynamic world of moving economies, politics, and culture. It’s difficult for many of us to fathom the histories of the places we live and the places we love to experience. Despite our ever-fading grasp of our world's history, our understanding would be even less had it not been for New York City's Grand Central Terminal.
In the 1978 case of Penn Central Transportation Co. v. New York City, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the city had the right to protect historical structures from demolition. It further stated that New York City's Landmarks Preservation Act did not constitute a "taking" of property under the Fifth Amendment. The court’s ruling went on to say that the Preservation Act was a reasonable use of regulatory power. This decision proved a milestone during a time of rapid modernization. It continues to provide instruction and precedent for cities today.
Many may ask why historic preservation is important? Wouldn’t it be cheaper, easier and more economically beneficial to encourage progress? Critics of preservation argue that places and structures should function well and serve a purpose. Once that purpose ceases to exist or is unsuccessful, then redevelopment should be allowed, even encouraged. This might even be said of natural landscapes and places of high cultural significance.
In the late 1960’s, New York City was a hotbed of protest and opposition. When developers unveiled plans to demolish Grand Central Terminal and replace it with a skyscraper bigger than the Pan Am building, no advertising campaign could pacify the public outcry.
Even the first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, opposed the redevelopment, stating,
"Is it not cruel to let our city die by degrees, stripped of all her proud monuments, until there will be nothing left of all her history and beauty to inspire our children? If they are not inspired by the past of our city, where will they find the strength to fight for her future? Americans care about their past, but for short term gain they ignore it and tear down everything that matters. Maybe… this is the time to take a stand, to reverse the tide, so that we won't all end up in a uniform world of steel and glass boxes."
The sentiment was echoed by the Supreme Court’s decision.
Over time, many cities all over the world have been successful in adopting historical preservation ordinances. Many laws have been changed or enacted which provide protection or incentives. Although these programs exist, it is still a matter of community support which ultimately decides whether historic preservation continues.
The past can be read about, viewed through movies, or visited and experienced first hand. As in previous generations, we have a responsibility and opportunity to our give our children a glimpse of the world as it was. Preserving the past as a gift to the future.
Article by: Ryan Hughes
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