Preserving the architectural heritage of Carnegie Hill is the primary mission of Carnegie Hill Neighbors. Most of the treasured mansions and 19th-century rowhouse blocks of Carnegie Hill are protected by the Landmark Preservation Commission’s designation of individual landmarks and two historic districts covering approximately 40 percent of this hilly, tree-lined area.

he original Carnegie Hill Historic District was created in 1974, and through our efforts the district was more than tripled in 1994. The small Hardenbergh/ Rhinelander Historic District was created in 1998. Also scattered throughout Carnegie Hill are more than 25 individually designated landmark buildings; preeminent among them is the Andrew Carnegie mansion, now the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

Carnegie Hill Neighbors works closely with two key New York City agencies, the Landmarks Preservation Commission and the Board of Standards and Appeals, to assure that only appropriate modifications are made to designated buildings and contextual rowhouse blocks and rear yard spaces.

The organization also works closely with single-issue neighborhood groups to shape solutions for major incursions in the Carnegie Hill architectural landscape. The organization’s staff and expertise have successfully assisted grassroots groups such as CITINeighbors (opposing the development of a 17-story tower on Madison Avenue at 91st Street), the Friends of Historic East 92nd Street (formed to stop a 92nd Street Y annex in the Carnegie Hill Historic District), and Save the Last Great Mansion (an effort to preserve the celebrated Spence/Loew mansion). The results of these campaigns are a handsome 10-story building instead of a 17-story tower, a private brownstone (under construction) instead of an adult education center, and a limit on the expansion of this last great mansion as well as the preservation of its key elements.

The success of Carnegie Hill Neighbors in these and other efforts, and the respect it receives from City agencies, has served to encourage developers of new construction projects to heed community concerns.

Nightly security, 365 days a year: Since 1993, we have engaged a security company to provide Safety Patrol Cars and drivers every night in the Carnegie Hill area to offer additional public safety. In 2003, we instituted a satellite tracking system, improving effectiveness. The organization underwrites and collects voluntary contributions from area buildings to fund this program. The Safety Patrol Car Committee works to increase participation, ensure quality service, and address community concerns about safety.

Flowers and trees in the Park Avenue malls: For more than 35 years, we have engaged two gardening companies to plant and maintain year-round the 10 islands of Park Avenue between 86th and 96th streets. The organization underwrites and collects voluntary contributions from Park Avenue buildings to fund this program. As a further benefit, the beautification of the malls has engendered individual streetscape efforts throughout the neighborhood.

In 2004, CHN embarked on a project with the Parks Department to transform the Park Avenue island between 96th and 97th streets into a pocket park. Read more about the Park Avenue Malls Planting Program in Carnegie Hill.

Care for the street trees: The Street Tree Committee educates building owners in tree care and tree pit landscaping, and prunes the smaller trees on the sidewalks of Carnegie Hill.

Daily cleaning of the avenues: The organization actively supports the Doe Fund’s street cleaning efforts on Madison, Park, and Lexington avenues and 86th and 96th streets in Carnegie Hill through an annual contribution, and assists the Doe Fund in raising donations from Carnegie Hill residents.

Sidewalk clutter and improvements: The StreetScape Committee strives to change the city’s tolerance of street furniture clutter and limit obtrusive news vending boxes. It also paints mailboxes, clears lampposts of flyers, and plants tree pits on commercial sidewalks.

Ad hoc issues: Carnegie Hill Neighbors was an early proponent of recycling, which we continue to support. We also monitor Central Park issues such as the current project to improve the East Meadow. The office responds daily to individual inquiries concerning problems in the neighborhood such as litter, noise, tree damage, and sidewalk and street repair.

 

Membership and Development Committees: Concerned members work together to ensure financing for general office expenses and special projects through membership drives, annual funding appeals, and the Spring Benefit.

Neighborhood communications: The Carnegie Hill News keeps the community informed. Our highly praised 32-page newsletter is distributed twice-yearly to more than 10,000 households. The paper also serves as an effective local medium for neighborhood shops to advertise. The office also notifies affected residents of hearings regarding pending proposals in their immediate area.

Liaison activities: To increase effectiveness in all the above activities, the organization maintains close contacts with sister organizations, elected officials who represent the Carnegie Hill area, city agencies, and community boards.

 

The very fact that Carnegie Hill Neighbors is a staffed organization, active on many fronts, with a community-minded board of directors means that it is in the best position to address neighborhood concerns––from cluttered sidewalks to threatening towers.

Through a continued spirit of cooperation and concern, Carnegie Hill Neighbors will ensure that this neighborhood, with its roots in the 19th century, will be preserved through the 21st century with all the characteristics that have made this such a special community.

To become a member of Carnegie Hill Neighbors and add your support to our organization and community, please use the Membership page.