LPC’s Business Express Service Team Honored with Customer Service Award

For Immediate Release: October 9, 2026

Contact: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, (212) 669-7938

LPC team is recognized during National Customer Service Week

for their work providing responsive, timely, and high-quality service

to small businesses in landmark properties citywide

(LPC’s Business Express Service Team from left to right: Elizabeth Fagan; Anu Khandal; Leanne Pollock; Roberto Ciliberto; Michelle Craren; Robert Watkins; Cory Scott Herrala; Caroline Kane Levy)

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) announced that its Business Express Service team has been recognized with an Excellence in Customer Service Award by the Mayor’s Office of Operations for its work helping guide a rapidly growing number of small businesses across every stage of the LPC permitting process. The award is presented annually during National Customer Service Week, and recognizes City employees and teams for their commitment to providing excellent service to New Yorkers.

“Small businesses are an essential part of the vibrancy and vitality of New York City, especially those in our historic districts and landmark properties, and we understand how important timely, reliable permitting is to their success,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Lisa Kersavage. “As demand has grown, the Business Express team has helped more business owners citywide, providing responsive, personalized support. I’m proud to see their dedication and commitment to customer service recognized with this award.”

“Our Business Express Service team helps guide small business owners every step of the way, offering one-on-one, hands-on support by phone, email or meetings with some of the most common types of work, from storefronts and signage to awnings, HVAC equipment, and accessibility improvements like ramps and lifts,” said LPC Director of Preservation Cory Herrala. “Our team helps business owners citywide understand the permitting process, get the permits they need, and keep their projects moving forward.”

LPC launched Business Express Service in 2022 as a one-stop shop for business owners in landmark buildings and historic districts. The service offers targeted support, with a dedicated team and hotline, pre-application consultations, and focused application review to make it easier and faster for business owners to get their permits.

LPC’s Business Express team members receiving the Excellence in Customer Service Award include Director of Preservation Cory Scott Herrala; Deputy Director of Preservation Michelle Craren; Deputy Director of Preservation Caroline Kane Levy; Senior Landmarks Preservationist Leanne Pollock; Senior Landmarks Preservationist Brian Blazek; Senior Landmarks Preservationist Elizabeth Fagan; Landmarks Preservationist Roberto Ciliberto; Landmarks Preservationist Anu Khandal; Landmarks Preservationist Fred Metzger; and Landmarks Preservationist Robert Watkins.

Business Express is part of the agency’s broader effort to make the permitting process easier, faster, and more transparent. The service has experienced exponential growth – nearly 390% over the past two years – driven in large part by the introduction of LPC’s online permitting portal, Portico, which automatically directs eligible applications to Business Express, as well as the agency’s other expedited review permit types. Together, these services are helping landmark property owners – from homeowners in historic districts to business owners across all five boroughs – get the hands-on support, clear guidance, and timely service they need throughout the LPC permitting process.

For more information about LPC’s Business Express Service, visit https://on.nyc.gov/lpc-business-express-service