I am writing with reference to the above subject matter with the prospect that you may be able to provide guidance and assistance in preventing the demise of an important and significant historic landmark, namely the home of the United Nations during 1946 and 1951.

In early February, I was contacted by Barbara Ferris Van Liew of the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities (SPLIA) to discuss the demolition of this valuable building. Ferris Van Liew mailed a copy of the Fall 1998 issue of Preservation News in which the following informative article appeared:

Sperry-UN Building

"It is reported that the new owners of the Sperry-UN Building may want to demolish this historic landmark. The Sperry Building is significant for its association with the history of military defense technology in the United States. It is architecturally significant as an example of Modernism in industrial architecture of the first half of the 20th century. In addition, it is nationally significant for its role as the United Nations Headquarters between 1946 and 1951.

The New York State Historic Preservation Office has determined that the building is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Lockheed-Martin is listed as the current owner according to Newsday."

This was not the first time that residents in New Hyde Park were advised that this building could be a historic landmark. In 1996 the Town of North Hempstead Master Plan Implementation Committee mentioned this very issue. The Committee was charged to identify issues affecting the Marcus Avenue region, known as the "corridor" and the Sperry-UN Building, although within the borders of the Village of Lake Success, was indeed a topic of conversation. In the final report, dated October 1996, Marcus Avenue Corridor Study, Page 9, the following appeared:

"It was also suggested that the Administration Building on the Loral site be landmarked and converted to a United Nations museum as the building was home to the UN General Assembly from 1946 until 1951. While it is not known if such a proposal is feasible or economically viable, a historical museum would not be inconsistent with the land use goals under study."

In recognizing and appreciating the importance of the Sperry-UN Building and desirous to be diligent in my role as a member of the North Hempstead Lockheed Martin Task Force, I began to study the history of the United Nations. I believe that more extensive research should be conducted, however, within the brief time spent, I effortlessly learned that the United Nations moved from Hunter College to the Sperry Gyroscope plant in 1946. The plant had been utilized for war production during the second world war and had become the property of the federal government's War Assets Administration. I wonder if a historical distinction could be made concerning this attribute of the Sperry-UN Building?

When the United Nations resided at Lake Success, specifically in November 1947, a majority vote was taken which accepted the partition and created a Jewish state, this vote was the legal basis for the birth of Israel. That occurred while the UN was headquartered in the Sperry-UN Building at Lake Success.

Further, another critical event/vote took place on June 27, 1950 when an emergency, late night meeting was held at Lake Success at which the Security Council adopted a resolution calling on all UN members to "furnish such assistance to the Republic of Korea as may be necessary to repel the armed attack and to restore international peace and security in the area.

These two significant votes and subsequent actions were key to the wars that ensued. This building, instead of being demolished, should house a museum, a part dedicated to the Americans and all soldiers who valiantly fought in the Korean War and a history of the formation of the state of Israel, which is an incredible anecdote and important element in American history. I cannot think of a better way to honor both of these historical and important actions than by dedicating a museum on the very site which propelled their destinies.

I appeal to you, as an individual who has an interest in preserving American culture and history, to guide community minded individuals, such as myself, to assist us in bringing this building to a proper level of notoriety which it richly deserves and has earned. We must not allow the cavalier destruction of America's legacies.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and whatever assistance you may be able to provide will be greatly appreciated.