Harvard Professor Edward Glaeser questions the value of the City’s growing number of historic districts. In a City Journal commentary, Glaeser argues historic districts in Manhattan have hindered development and lowered housing affordability. The City should protect its architectural past, but argues that the districts often protect “undistinguished structures.”

Billionaire David Koch has pledged $10 million to renovate the fountains and entrance plaza at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Koch was motivated to assist in the Met’s renovation efforts after seeing the new fountain at Lincoln Center. The Met’s fountains, which are national landmarks, have not been operating for the past two years.

On Tuesday night, the Landmarks Commission approved the Toll Brothers proposed 10 story condo development in the DUMBO historical district, which will include 67 units. The DUMBO Neighborhood Assocation had taken issue with the building's height, which could have reached 12 stores.

The Ridgewood Theatre in Queens gained landmark status in January but owners are now having difficulty deciding how to redevelop the 2,500-seat theater. Many supporters of the theater, which opened in 1916 and closed in 2008, want to see it restored for movie and retail use.

The Landmarks Preservation Council held a hearing on Tuesday about the landmark status of Shore Theater and the Child's Restaurant building. Coney Island USA submitted the landmark proposal six years ago. Landmark advocates would also like to see the original Nathan's, the Shore Hotel, and Bank of Coney Island given landmark status.

Residents in Carroll Gardens are divided over a possible extension of the Carroll Gardens Historic District. The neighborhood was downzoned last year and proponents of the landmarking process believe historic designation will provide extra protection for the area, which saw extensive development during the building boom a few years ago.

Residents in Kingsbridge Heights want the neighborhood to be designated a historic district but Councilman Oliver Koppell (D-Bronx) said he won’t support the move until after a proposed supportive housing facility is approved. Koppell contends neighbors are putting urgency on the landmarking effort in order to block the proposed facility.

The Landmark Preservation Committee will hold a hearing on March 23, 2010 to determine whether Addisleigh Park, Queens should receive landmark status. Addisleigh Park would be Queens' 9th historic district. As the fourth largest historic distric in the borough, it would include close to 500 houses. Notable Addisleigh Park residents include Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, and Milt Hinton.

The Save Coney Island community group is battling the city and Thor Equities over landmark designations for historic Coney Island sites. Sites under consideration include the Coney Island USA building and the Henderson building, among others. The group is also concerned about the 12 acres currently zoned for outdoor attractions. Save Coney Island wants more outdoor space.

Five City properties and the West-Park Presbyterian Church were recently approved as landmarks by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Now that the Church has been landmarked, Church officials will be unable to convert some of the space to residential development in order to make additional revenue on the property.