On Tuesday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission will review a proposal to allow construction of a 105-ft.-tall building at 27 East 4th Street, next door to the historic Merchant’s House Museum, one of our city’s first and most important landmarks, designated on the interior as well as the exterior. This proposal was heard this past March, with overwhelming public testimony in opposition. At the time the Landmarks Preservation Commission neither voted on nor discussed the proposal, which they will do on Tuesday. No public testimony will be allowed, but comments for consideration can be submitted in advance of the meeting. 

New construction next to older buildings like this is tricky under the best of circumstances. However, because the Merchant’s House is a perfectly preserved early 19th-century home with delicate plaster details throughout on the interior, vibrations or ground shifting from adjacent work can do damage here of vastly greater consequence than in other locations. It’s also an educational institution that serves the public, making the potential for harm to the common good here all the greater.

The Museum’s experts say the proposed construction work would do extensive and irreversible damage to their building, in spite of the precautions that the developer and the Commission say would be taken if work is approved. Unfortunately, however, we have seen time and again that such procedures and regulations are not carefully adhered to, and are sometimes fragrantly ignored. All it would take is just one slip for grievous and permanent harm to be done.

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