FRIENDS' Testimony:
FRIENDS Preservation Committee supports the use of focused illumination to highlight the architectural and cultural significance of the fountains and sculptural elements at Grand Army Plaza North and South. Thoughtfully designed lighting can enhance public appreciation of these historic features. We thank the Central Park Conservancy for presenting the proposal and for its ongoing stewardship of this prominent public space.
However, the Committee believes that functionality must be balanced with aesthetic sensitivity. Compliance with Department of Transportation regulations should serve as a baseline—not the sole standard—for appropriate design. We are particularly concerned about the visual impact of the proposed 10-inch diameter lights and oversized control boxes on all four lighting poles. These bulky additions are visually intrusive and detract from the historic character of the landmark. The recent restoration of Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn used similar gray-finished poles without such control boxes, and even those are found to interfere with the landmark setting (see attached image). We urge the Conservancy to pursue a more integrated and historically appropriate solution, one that respects the integrity of the plaza and preserves its landmark quality.
