BROOKLYN, N.Y., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brooklyn Bridge is in critical condition of losing its life and may not have enough strength to pull through. In a heroic battle cry to prevent its demise, renowned historian, lecturer and two time Pulitzer Prize winning author David McCullough, speaks out against the very threat that seeks to destroy this national treasure in a 4 minute video Op Ed piece featured on the New York Times website. A proposed 18-story large scale structure known as Dock Street, will single handily deform the 8-story Brooklyn Bridge as we know it today, and as we've known it for the past 125 years. Two Trees' proposed development will stand just 70 feet from the iconic structure and erase its skyline forever. Its memory will remain only in the photos and films that captured its majesty and in the minds of those who saw it firsthand, from the architectural pioneers to the Ellis Island immigrants and the modern day sightseer seeking to catch a glimpse of its beauty and poise.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090413/NY98131LOGO )

To view Mr. McCullough's comments on what the cityscape would look like to generations to come if this proposal goes through click here: http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/04/10/opinion/1194747017437/paving-over-history.html

The New York City Department of City Planning will rule on this important issue April 22.

DUMBO Neighborhood Association Executive Director Doreen Gallo, who invited Mr. McCullough to speak out on this topic stated, "The DNA is honored to have Mr. McCullough support our struggle. This issue is just not a neighborhood battle, but rather something that should be of concern to everyone. The proposed structure is just too tall and out of context with the neighborhood. The bridge does not just belong to DUMBO or to New York but to millions around the world. Having David McCullough, author of The Great Bridge weigh in really exemplifies that."

In commenting on the project Mr. McCullough stated, "In his initial proposal for the Bridge, written in 1867, the brilliant John A. Roebling, its designer, said that the finished work would stand down the years as a testament to the community that built it. That was 142 years ago. And there the bridge stands today, just as he said, a testament to those who built it. Let what is decided now, in the year 2009, be a testament of our appreciation for this rarest of structures, the gratitude we feel as we enjoy it, the pride we take in it."

To save the Brooklyn Bridge -- whether or not you live in New York City -- call or email New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn: (212) 788-7210 / cquinn@council.nyc.gov

If you live in New York City, contact your local member of the Council. Find your representative here: http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml.

For more information on the efforts being made to save The Brooklyn Bridge, visit: www.dumbo-dna.org

SOURCE DUMBO Neighborhood Association

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