Mayor Eric Adams. Photo Credit: facebook.com/NYCMayor
On February 22, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointments of three new commissioners to the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the selection of the Mayor’s representative for the Public Design Commission. The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the largest municipal preservation agency in the United States, responsible for the designation and protection of landmarks and historic districts in the city. The Public Design Commission has the jurisdiction over landscape architecture, art and permanent structures on City-owned property, with the goal of making equitable and sustainable public spaces.
Stephen Chu, Mark Ginsberg, and Angie Master will join the Landmarks Preservation Commission at the next meeting following their previous approval from the City Council. Bill Heinzen will serve on the Public Design Commission.
Landmarks Appointees
Stephen Chu received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, College of Environmental Design, and graduate studies in urban and regional planning at the Università IUAV di Venezia. He is an architect and principal at Enread Architects, a firm that has many notable cultural, diplomatic and educational projects. Some highlights include the renovation of the Public Theater at 425 Lafayette Street; New York University Langone Medical Center, Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University; and the International Performing Arts Center in Shenzhen, China. Chu is an associate professor at Pratt’s Graduate School of Architecture. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
Mark Ginsberg received his Bachelor of Arts in theater design and government from Wesleyan University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a registered architect in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Ginsberg is a fellow and past president of the American Institute of Architects New York chapter. He has over 33 years of experience in urban design, planning, and institutional and housing projects. Ginsberg has expertise in affordable and mixed income housing, and green design with a LEED AP certification. He has served on various committees and task forces, including the Post-Sandy Housing Task Force and the New York New Visions executive committee. He is currently a partner of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP, where he has guided the firm’s work on over 10,000 units of housing.
Angie Master received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Stanford, and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School. She currently practices commercial real estate at Prendamano Real Estate of Staten Island. Prior to real estate, Master was a marketing executive. She previously was a management consultant working on international projects for Towers Perrin and Booz Allen Hamilton. She serves on the board of multiple non-profits in Staten Island, including the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island.
Landmarks Commissioners serve three-year terms. Having previously received approval from the City Council, the three new commissioners will start at the next Landmarks hearing on Tuesday, February 28th.
Landmarks Chair Sarah Carroll stated, “The mayor’s three appointees are committed to protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, culturally, and historically significant sites. They each bring significant expertise, experience, and a commitment to our city that will further LPC’s mission and help shape the city’s built environment.”
Incoming Commissioner Chu stated, “I am honored to join the Landmarks Preservation Commission and assist in the protection and preservation of New York City’s rich history of diversity and culture, while considering the present and future needs of our great city and its five boroughs.”
Incoming Commissioner Ginsberg stated, “It is an honor to serve on the Landmarks Preservation Commission. I look forward to helping preserve our past, while moving towards a low-carbon future and encouraging much-needed housing.
Incoming Commissioner Master stated, “I am deeply honored to be nominated by Mayor Adams to serve as a commissioner of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. As the LPC Staten Island and real estate representative, I look forward to working collaboratively with the other commissioners to help preserve New York City’s many culturally, historically, and architecturally significant landmarked sites.”
Public Design Commission Appointee
Bill Heinzen received a Bachelor of Arts in history from Haverford College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin. He has previously served as deputy counselor to the mayor, counsel to the Public Design Commission, deputy commissioner and acting commissioner at the Taxi and Limousine Commission, general counsel at the New York City Board of Correction, and senior vice president and general counsel to the Hudson River Park Trust. He currently serves as special counsel in the Office of the Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall.
Heinzen stated, “The Public Design Commission has improved every corner of New York City through its review of public spaces, new and existing structures on city land, and public art. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Mayor Adams’ designee on the commission, and I am excited to work with its dedicated commissioners and staff to further PDC’s mission to make the city even better with innovative, sustainable, and equitable design.”
Mayor Adams stated, “This diverse slate of appointees will bring to their work a wide range of perspectives and a shared commitment to our city’s built environment and public spaces. New York City offers a unique blend of the historical and the cutting edge — no other city comes close. I am confident that this group of commissioners will be faithful stewards of both and help our city continue to recover and grow without losing sight of our past.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the CityLaw fellow and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)