Architect will occupy Jan Pokorny’s seat. On September 4, 2008, the City Council Committee on Rules, Privileges & Elections approved Fred Bland as the newest member of Landmarks, filling a vacancy open since Jan Pokorny passed away on May 20th after serving on Landmarks for over a decade. Bland is an architect, currently a managing partner at Beyer Blinder Belle. Prominent projects by Bland include China’s Shanghai Cultural Plaza, the Mark Morris Dance Group Building at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the recently approved addition to the Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn. 5 CityLand 92 (July 15, 2008).
Representatives from the Municipal Art Society and the Landmarks Conservancy testified in support of Bland’s appointment, as did Council Member David Yassky. The full Council unanimously approved Bland’s appointment.