Daily News from New York, New York • 93

CLASCfFIZD is? muss 3 ML MJ 1 Wednesday, February 8, 1989 SSL repair bridge Compared to other bridges, the 80-year-old University Heights Bridge that connects Fordham Road in the Bronx with 207th St. in Manhattan is not much to look at anymore. However, this spring the bridge is to get a $35 million face-lift, when the state Department of Transportation begins rehabilitation of the landmark structure. In announcing the rebuilding of the bridge, state Transportation Commissioner Franklin E. White said, "Restoration of the transportation infrastructure is a oM3d DamtarwCs villa in Italy.

We are used to landmarks." Mariani also said the owner and the commission have started discussions with the landmark commission staff about plans to renovate the building. Owners of yet another building, the Peninsula (formerly Gotham) Hotel at 55th St and Fifth testified that they did not oppose land-marking. They also said they were working with commission staff to come up with the right canopy for their 55th St entrance. sue that many thought would turn into a fight just dissolved. The owners of the Scribner Building at 48th St and Fifth the Italian sportswear, firm Benetton, testified that they did not oppose interior landmarking of the first and balcony floors of the just-closed Scribner's bookstore.

The company said it had pledged $3.5 to $5 million for restoration of the store's interior and exterior. "Our corporate headquarters," said attorney Frank Mariani, "is in a 17th century mm hi JL mm zkd i k' (Tar The University Heights Bridge will receive a $35 million face-lift. JOHN PEDIN DAILY NEWS critical element in the revitalization efforts under way in all parts of the Bronx." The original bridge, called the Harlem Ship Canal Bridge, spanned the Harlem River at Broadway. In 1905-08, according to Landmarks Preservation, "in an unusual complex bridge-flotation operation, three spans were floated south to 207th St and Fordham Road to form the present University Heights Bridge." Opened in 1908, the two-lane, swing-span University Heights Bridge was declared a New York City landmark in 1985. Until 1949, the bridge still carried trolleys.

It still features elegant remnants of a bygone era ornamental ironworks, lattice work, waiting shelters and stone gatehouses. When the restoration is completed, the University Heights Bridge will have four lanes, two in each direction, plus an eight-foot sidewalk. Trucks and buses, which have been restricted because of the bridge's fragile condition, once again will be able to use it According to the Department of Transportation, the work will include replacement of the swing span and rehabilitation of the approach spans and bridge supports, electrical and mechanical improvements, and reconstruction of the Ninth 207th St intersection on the west end of the bridge. Ornamental details on the bridge will be preserved. The restoration work will be done in three stages, with the south half of the approach span reconstructed first Stage 2 will be reconstruction of the swing span.

In stage 3, the north half of the approach will be reconstructed. John Lewis By JOAN SHEPARD Manhattan Cultural Affairs Editor A fight between city and state surfaced yesterday at the Landmarks Preservation Commission, when the New York State Dormitory Authority revealed it was interested in a block on E. 24th St site of three buildings the commission has proposed for landmark designation. The buildings include Kaufman's, an equestrian supply store; a parking garage that used to be a large horse-auction stable; and the Fiss, Doerr Carroll Horse Building, all between Lexington and Third. "The Dormitory Authority," said David Hirsch, an authority lawyer, "is preparing an environmental impact study on this area.

We will not purchase or condemn the buildings within the next 90 days." Hirsch asked the commission for an 90-day extension of the hearing so the authority could complete the study. For Baruch College The buildings are listed in a Baruch College master plan as a site for expansion. The master plan did not mention the historical importance of the buildings, nor the fact that the Landmarks Commission had informed the college of its interest testified Jack Taylor, who heads the preservation committee of the Union Square Community Coalition. Many speakers, including the owner of Kaufman's, came forth to support landmark designation for the buildings, site of the city's horse trading market in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Kaufman said his store has been visited by heads of state, presidents, mayors and governors, including former Gov.

Hugh Carey and the Sultan of Brunei. Other speakers who supported the designation of the E. 24th St. buildings included Council member Carol Greitzer, Andrew Dolkart of the Municipal Art Society and the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Greitzer said that when there are fights between the city and the state, "usually the state prevails." She also accused the Dormitory Authority of "running roughshod over the neighborhood." The commission will continue the hearing on these "horse-drawn carriage era" buildings at a date to be announced.

Ironically, the landmark is AMTRAK OFFICER John Kowsky watches Police Commissioner Benjamin Ward unveil plaque in honor of his late uncle, Msgr. John Kowsky ed mounari daily news FHaope priest Cops pay tribute to 'The Saint' By PATRICE O'SHAUGHNESSY Daily News Staff Writer About 100 people gathered at Police Headquarters yesterday for the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the memory of Msgr. John Kowsky, a well-loved priest who was known as "The Saint" to thousands of cops. Kowsky died last September of a heart attack at age 66 after serving for seven years as a police chaplain and the spiritual leader of the department's Holy Name Society, and as a comforter to cops and their families. The department's top brass, police union representatives and relatives of past commissioners were joined by paralyzed cop Steven McDonald; Lori Gunn, wife of critically wounded Officer William Gunn, and decorated cop Paul Ragonese.

Kowsky's nephew, John, an Amtrak police officer, helped unveil a wood-arid-brass plaque that contains a photograph of the late chaplain. It will hang in 1 Police Plaza, probably in the chaplain's office. "You couldn't stop him from doing God's work," said Police Commissioner Benjamin Ward. "If a police officer was shot or injured, Msgr. Kowsky was there before me or the mayor.

Even when he was sick and it was cold, he was there." Chief of Department Robert Johnston Jr. said Kowsky "had the ability, with the twist of a word, to turn depression into acceptance." Kowsky grew up in Manhattan and was ordained in 1948. He joined the Army in 1956 and earned several medals before retiring as a colonel in 1980. Fulani speaks Lenora Fulani, the first black female presidential candidate to be listed on all 50 state ballots, will discuss "New York City: The Politics of Urban Coalition," at Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus tonight at 6. Fulani is a spokesman for the National Alliance Party.

The lecture is being sponsored by the university's Black Studies Institute and will be held in the 12th-floor faculty lounge at 113 W. 60th St at Columbus Ave. Suicide seminar The Mount Sinai Medical Center will sponsor a seminar tonight on suicide, self-destructive and impulsive behaviors. Dr. Richard Kavoussi will discuss signs and symptoms, as well as possible causes of these behaviors.

The seminar is free and open to the public. It will be held from 7 to 9 this evening in the Stern Auditorium of the Annenberg Building, Fifth Ave. at 100th St Those interested in attending should call (212) 241-4202..