The Fight to Save First Avenue Estate: Looking Back

FRIENDS recently capped its weeklong series exploring the cultural and historical context of Yorkville’s City and Suburban First Avenue Estate and the decades-long battle to preserve it, which relied upon both local advocates and the legal system at our country’s highest court.

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A Perilous Path to Protection: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of a Landmark

April 2020 marks the 55th anniversary of the New York City Landmarks Law, and this year, our neighborhood has something extra special to celebrate as we honor this milestone year. As of October 2019, the City and Suburban First Avenue Estate has been saved from demolition, thanks to a years-long,

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U.S. Supreme Court Denies Stahl an Appeal AGAIN

FRIENDS is thrilled to share the news that the U.S. Supreme Court has denied Stahl an appeal for the second time.

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Another Win for First Avenue Estate

In the Spring of 2017, FRIENDS led the effort of local and national preservation groups, along with elected officials, to file an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the City of New York in the ongoing battle to stop the demolition of two historic buildings, part of the City and Suburban Homes First Avenue Estate.

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NYS Appellate Division Rules in Favor of LPC in First Avenue Estate Hardship Case!

Last spring FRIENDS led the effort of local and national preservation groups, along with elected officials, to file an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the City of New York in the ongoing battle to stop the demolition of two historic buildings, part of the City and Suburban Homes First

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DEVELOPMENT ALERT: First Avenue

As reported in YIMBY, The Real Deal and the Upper East Side Patch, the Developer Extell has just filed demolition permits for an entire block on the east side of First Avenue between East 79th and East 80th Streets in Yorkville.

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First Avenue Estate: The Battle Continues

Although the federal case is over, Stahl continues to push on at the state level, and has filed an appeal to the New York State Appellate Division.

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ADVOCACY UPDATE: Federal Court Dismisses Lawsuit

Nearly a year to the date of the denial of the hardship application, on May 21, 2015, the Federal court dismissed the owner’s lawsuit for “failure to state a cause of action for a substantive due process violation.” However, we still await a decision from the State Supreme Court and have no

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ADVOCACY UPDATE: FRIENDS Files an Amicus Brief in Support of NYC

Friends of the Upper East Side Historic District (FRIENDS) and prominent local and national preservation groups, along with elected officials, have filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the City of New York in an ongoing battle to stop the demolition of two historic properties.

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LPC to Vote on First Avenue Estate!

The LPC is scheduled to vote on the First Avenue Estate hardship application!

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