On a walk through downtown Roslyn shortly after moving to the village in 2016, Jordan Fensterman noticed something that stopped him in his tracks: a small sign hanging outside the office of theRoslyn Landmark Society.
Already captivated by the historic pond, winding streets and centuries-old architecture that define the village’s downtown, Fensterman walked inside and introduced himself. Nearly a decade later, that spontaneous visit has led him to the organization’s top leadership role.
Fensterman has been named co-president of the Roslyn Landmark Society, ushering in a new generation of leadership for the historic preservation organization as it advances major restoration projects and seeks deeper community involvement.
“I kind of fell in love with the downtown area and the historic look that it already had,” Fensterman said. “The buildings, the roof lines, the sight lines, the pond, the park, the library — it just felt unique. It felt special.”
After volunteering as a docent during historic house tours and helping with society events, Fensterman eventually joined the board of trustees, then served as vice president. He now steps into the co-president role after longtime preservation advocate Howard Kroplick decided to step down.
The appointment comes during what Fensterman described as a broader generational transition within the organization, with younger residents and families increasingly becoming involved in preserving Roslyn’s historic identity.
“There has definitely been a shift, and it’s been gradual,” he said. “When I joined the board of trustees, I think there were only six or seven members. Now there’s tremendous interest from people in and around Roslyn who want to become involved.”
Fensterman pointed to an influx of newer trustees who are raising families in Roslyn and plan to remain active in the community for years to come.
“We have people on the board now who are raising families in Roslyn and plan to stay here for decades,” he said. “There’s a real commitment that I anticipate will just grow and grow.”
A fourth-generation attorney specializing in health law, Fensterman said his legal background will help him critically analyze vendor agreements and oversee contracts for preservation projects. He emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, given the organization’s significant private and public funding.
Source: LI Press
