Law Committee

Comprising distinguished attorneys with expertise in preservation, land use and planning matters, the committee advises the MAS through its general counsel and Menapace Fellow on substantive legal issues affecting the citys physical environment. These issues include zoning regulations, landmarks laws and takings cases, as well as procedural matters, such as navigating the legislative process and pursuing litigation strategies. Individual committee members may directly assist in MAS advocacy efforts by, for example, testifying in front of regulatory bodies, drafting or reviewing legislation, or researching or writing part of an amicus brief.

Preservation Committee

Preservation advocates, architects, land use attorneys, designers, and preservation planners make up the Preservation Committee. Examining preservation policy issues, reviewing proposals for the alteration of landmark buildings, and promoting and supporting the designation of landmarks, the committee also plans and implements special preservation projects and testifies on behalf of the MAS at the Landmarks Preservation Commission and other city agencies.

Planning Committee

Including MAS trustees, and urban planning and design professionals, committee members provide the MAS with a rich repository of skill and insight on complex and varied issues. They help to advocate sound public policy, review major plans and projects, and testify before city and state agencies on matters of land use, zoning, public open space and transportation.

Streetscapes Committee

Recognizing that the streets and sidewalks of New York represent the city’s single largest public space, this committee devotes its attention to the public environment. It focuses on the physical construction of streets and sidewalks; the design of signage, planting, street furniture, street advertising and lighting; and legal issues related to the streetscape of New York.