National Register Now Lists Part of Washington Heights as a ‘Dominican Historic District’
Historic Designation Despite Controversy
A new Dominican Historic District in Washington Heights is officially on the National Register of Historic Places, despite pushback from parts of the community who say they were left out of the designation process.
When a state board voted to pass on the nomination to the national level in September, it happened at a contentious meeting where many locals showed up to oppose it.
Community Concerns
Those against the idea said that recognizing only the history and contributions of the Dominican community overlooked the changing nature of the neighborhood and the historic sites that pertain to other ethnic groups, like the Audubon Ballroom where civil rights activist Malcom X was assassinated in 1965.
Alex Krales/THE CITY
Dr. Ramona Hernandez, the director of the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute and the proposal’s main architect, expected this kind of back-and-forth. Even before the State Register vote in September, she had worked with researchers to hone and adapt the proposal.
Revisions and Approval
Hernandez said the revisions were a continuation of the work she and her colleagues had already been doing: providing proof of Dominican history and impact in various locations, and showing that they had made the built environment their own.
She also changed the name: from “Washington Heights — Dominican Cultural and Historic District,” to simply “Dominican Historic District.”
When she was informed via email that the proposal was accepted, Hernandez felt as if the National Parks historians were on her side. “I felt that they were happy,” Hernandez said. “I felt that they were really involved in this. That, somehow, the Dominican people have touched them.”
Community Concerns Persist
However, many of the recommendations made in the evaluation by the National Register were ultimately not included in the new proposal — and it was still approved. The historic district was published as part of the National Register’s weekly list of approved properties on Jan. 31.
The National Register’s evaluation emphasized a need for more community engagement before moving forward.
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But no other public meetings happened before the historic district popped up on the official list, according to Tanya Bonner, a former Community Board 12 member who has continued to mobilize like-minded residents who oppose the Dominican Historic District.
Seeking Revisions and Legal Action
Bonner is working with other community members to seek legal assistance to get the proposal removed from the National and State registers and back on the table for revisions. She’s also working to change a current rule that only property owners must be notified and given a formal opportunity to weigh in on nominations for the National Register of Historic Places.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Dominican Historic District highlights the importance of community engagement and participation in the designation process. As the National Register continues to recognize and preserve America’s historic places, it is crucial that the voices of all communities are heard and valued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the Dominican Historic District designated despite controversy?
A: The National Register of Historic Places recognized the significant contributions of the Dominican community to the neighborhood, despite concerns from other community members.
Q: What changes were made to the proposal?
A: The proposal was revised to include more community engagement and feedback, but ultimately, the same proposal was approved.
Q: What is the impact of the designation?
A: The designation will affect the way the community sees itself and its history, and may have implications for education and cultural institutions in the area.
Q: What is the next step?
A: Community members are seeking legal action to revise the proposal and ensure more inclusive community engagement in the designation process.
