Finn (Casella Cousins #3) - Kathryn Shay Page 0,23
Try to meet the bid through investors, or work on the legal front to block turning our area into condos, which includes our site. With that in mind, Dylan O’Neil invited a speaker from the Greenwich Village Historic Preservation Society, GVSHP for short, to the meeting. She’ll arrive in an hour. Meanwhile, we can talk about all this informally.”
One tenant who rented two apartments stood. “The rent on our apartments is high, but the condos will probably be too much for all of us to buy. Besides, we’ll have to live somewhere for the year the condos are being built.”
The others talked, too.
“I don’t want condos here at all. It’ll change the neighborhood.”
“I think we should protest.”
“I’m considering finding another place and moving.”
“Before we do anything rash,” Silver interrupted. “Let’s talk to the preservation person to see what we can do.”
Just then, she and Dylan walked in.
Finn crossed to them. “Hi, I’m Finn Casella.”
“Hello, Finn.” He led her to a table to set down her things, then she faced to the group. “Hello, everybody. I’m Marian Dorton. I’ve researched what’s happening here and it’s a lot like the situation over in the East Village.”
Finn knew they’d lost the battle to stop a developer who eventually put up condos. They did limit the number of floors it could be, but the thing sticks out in the neighborhood. The character of the area is already different, and now, high end stores are trying to move in.
“How would we start the process?” Silver asked.
“First, let me explain who we are and what we do. She reached in her bag and pulled out a sheath of papers.
“I’ll read aloud our mission: The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation was founded in 1980 to preserve the architectural heritage and cultural history of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and SoHo. We are a leader in protecting the sense of place that defines the Village’s unique community.
“Since this condo project will change the Village community, if you want to protest what’s happening to you, which I’m fully behind, you can take these steps.” She handed out a flyer. Finn read her plan.
—Contact the Community Board #2, which is the one set up for your area. Community Board #2 has an important advisory role in land use and zoning, landmarks, quality of life and liquor licensing matters, City budget, municipal service delivery and many other issues relating to our local communities' welfare.
—Collect petitions protesting the changes developers want to make in neighborhoods around you.
—Get the advice of a reputable lawyer about what you can do in the meantime.
—If nothing else, ratchet up public pressure on the Community Board location in Washington Square that might give board members pause. Nobody likes protest signs and t-shirts near their place of business or at home.
Finn said, “So if we submit a request to the Community Board to just get on the calendar, how long does that usually take?”
“It depends when the next meeting is.”
“If we collect the signatures against any restructuring of the area, how long after they’re submitted do we have to wait for a decision?”
“Two to four weeks.”
They all looked at each other.
Finn’s heart sped up. “In two to four weeks, our building could be sold.”
“Groups have been successful in stopping that process with a court order until they can talk to the board and get an answer back. That’s number three on my list. Get a lawyer.”
The meeting ended a bit after nine and Finn stayed behind with Dylan. “I think we should use my lawyer,” Finn told him. “I’m the one most vested in this right now.”
“Fine by me. But just remember Kinley’s got a slew of them on retainer for his conglomerate if you can’t meet yours asap.”
“I’ll call mine on the way home.”
When he and Millie left, she asked, “Where to?”
“Let’s walk by the store and make sure Judy and Erin closed up right.”
“I know you don’t do this on purpose, but when you check on people at work like that, me included, we lose confidence in our abilities, and we get angry at you for micromanaging.”
“Seriously? All these years, and no one told me this?”
“You can be very intimidating, Finn.”
“Hell.”
“Do you have faith in me? In Judy and Erin and Max?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Maybe you should act like you do.”
“I’ll try.” He glanced over his shoulder. The O’Neils were behind them in deep discussion. “I wish I could hold your hand.”
“Not yet. Where are we going now?”
“You’ve got your sneakers on.”
“Yep. To walk home. It’s