Given the political leanings of the Strand's audience and the leanings of the books they showcase, I would assume the owners are likely left leaning as well. An

Given the political leanings of the Strand's audience and the leanings of the books they showcase, I would assume the owners are likely left leaning as well. And it's weird to think that they may very well have supported landmark laws in general... until it applied to their building. The real issue here is corrupt politics in NYC. Why should owners of the Strand and other old buildings have to pay (through decreased property values and development opportunities) to keep the "character of the neighborhood" when others are allowed to build high rises? My understanding is that this new historic zone was created partially to get other large developments approved.