[jzwinck]

Landmarking this building removes the choice from future New Yorkers to redevelop this bookstore-building into housing, offices, or even a park.

If you want to have a say in how the community develops, maybe don't limit your options for developing your community? If future New Yorkers decide they don't want this building turned into a modern skyscraper, they can reject the required applications for building permits at that time.

Or is it more about "old" New Yorkers trying to make sure new New Yorkers don't have a say?

[CPLX]

This is patent nonsense. The same political process that created the landmark designation can remove or alter it.