This morning there was a rally to save the historic Underground Railroad site in Chelsea, which like everything else in this city is being threatened by a building owner’s “remodeling” project. Students, activists, local officials and preservationists held the rally and teach-in at the building’s site, the Hopper-Gibbons House at 339 West 29th Street , which was a hiding place for runaway slaves. The Landmarks Preservation Commission is actively considering designating it a protected landmark, but meanwhile the current owner continues to receive building permits. One local told the NY Times last year, “Being one of the few African-Americans on the …
