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Phase II - Landmark Status Pending. Got any info? — Brooklynian

Phase II - Landmark Status Pending. Got any info?

brynyc111
brynyc111
edited November -1 in Crown Heights/Prospect Lefferts Gardens
If you are involved, or have any information on the pros and cons of Landmarking for our area I'd love to hear your input.

Crown Heights North Association TOWN HALL MEETING Wednesday 4/16/08 6:45 p.m. at St Gregory's RCC School auditorium, St. Johns Pl at Brooklyn Ave.
Landmarks Preservation Commission has been invited to discuss the pending designation of Phase II for the Crown Heights North area.

Comments

  • capt. planet
    capt. planet
    FYI, this will be a really BIG area if it's adopted as proposed. We're talking most of Prospect Place, Park Place, Sterling Place, St. John's Place and Lincoln Place between Nostrand and Brooklyn Avenue. Something like 1,500 homes, versus Phase I of about 500 homes. And Phase I was the biggest in NYC in 10 years.

    While Prospect Heights is just now getting around to landmarking, Crown Heights is into it's 2nd phase. This really sets us ahead of other areas. Park Slope for example has only one landmark that stretches just one or two blocks deep along Prospect Park.

    Seriously, folks should attend the April 16th meeting. This is a big deal and would make Crown Heights North really standout if it happens. Don't let this pass without your input!
  • justplainzach
    justplainzach
    What would this actually mean? I'm confused.
  • capt. planet
    capt. planet
    Landmarking means different things depending on who you are. If you're an owner, it means your property will increase in value but you won't be able to put cheap windows in the front of your building or paint it bright orange (unless it's already bright orange, uggh!). Nor can you demolish or change the facade. Vacant land must be built with Landmarks Preservation approval to conform with the existing structures. No 10 story aluminum clad condo projects.

    If you're a renter, it means rents will probably go up but you might have more amenities in the area, like restaurants and shopping.

    To find out more, come to the meeting on April 16th at St. Gregory's RC, at Brooklyn Ave and St. Johns Place.
  • capt. planet
    capt. planet
    Here's a little more background on the Crown Heights North landmark designation.

    During the 1970's, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Stuyvesant Heights and Crown Heights North were surveyed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission to determine whether these communities were eligible for designation as Historic Districts. These Central Brooklyn communities were considered due to their vast wealth of "architectural jewels." There was a desire by concerned community residents and homeowners to preserve the quality and integrity of those treasures, and create cohesive communities that would be preserved and recognized for their historical value.

    That was 26 years ago. With the exception of Crown Heights North, all of the aforementioned communities are now Historic Districts and are enjoying the benefits of such an esteemed designation.
  • brynyc111
    brynyc111
    Capt. Planet...thanks for your input. Do you know why Crown Heights North was not landmarked 26 years ago??
  • wirenut
    wirenut
    Capt. Planet wrote: Landmarking means different things depending on who you are. If you're an owner, it means your property will increase in value but you won't be able to put cheap windows in the front of your building or paint it bright orange (unless it's already bright orange, uggh!).
    Some out there argue that it may not necessarily increase values and/or there are slightly higher renovation costs.

    On the up side- it does cause the designated area to attract new owners who appreciate the value of the fact that an unwanted developer can not buy the house next door and knock it down and put up something that is ugly.
  • boogieknight
    boogieknight
    Landmarking may also place restrictions on housing populations - such as maybe smaller homes currently used as a one-family - have to remaina one family. So you may not be able to switch your current two-family to a three family and bring in an extra tenant. But I may be wrong about that.

    I know those nice limestone houses in PLG around Rutland are all restricted as one-families.

    I'm sort of bummed that being betw. Franklin and Bedford I missed Landmarking by one block.
  • homeowner
    homeowner
    My understanding is that PLG is not restricted because of landmarking. Instead the property was originally deeded with restrictive covenants that prohibit the property from being used as multiple family dwellings. Essentially the deed requires that the house be sold, purchased and used as a single family house only. If buildings are torn down they must be replaced by houses of brick or stone at least two stories high again with the requirement for single family occupancy.

    Crown Heights property doesn't have those sorts of restrictive covenants so I don't think that will be a problem. My understanding is landmarks doesn't get as involved in the interior changes, they are more concerned with exteriors and additions that will change the historical look of the properties.
  • capt. planet
    capt. planet
    BryNyc111 wrote: Capt. Planet...thanks for your input. Do you know why Crown Heights North was not landmarked 26 years ago??
    Good question. Perhaps there was little community support.
  • roesmoker
    roesmoker
    How can we find out which areas would be covered? I'm thinking of buying a house on Park Place (right off Brower Park to the East) and I'd like to know if it would be included.

    I think it's a great thing for the community, to decrease if not eliminate the threat of developers coming in, ripping down all the gorgeous old buildings and replacing them with hideous hi-rises.

    During a drive around CH last weekend I was stunned and impressed by all the beautiful architecture the 'hood boasts.
  • roesmoker
    roesmoker
    Hmm, I found a barely legible map here.

    Did anyone go to the Town Meeting?
  • brynyc111
    brynyc111
    We attended the meeting with I assume to be at lease 250 other people. Meeting consisted of representatives from NY Landmarks Preservation Commission, NYC Dept of Housing Prevention and Development, Historic Districts Council and Landmarks Conversancy. They spoke of the fact that phase two has been submitted and is under consideration. They feel very strongly that it will indeed pass but could not and would not give us a time line. They spoke of Grants and Loans available for landmarked buildings. We must thank the Crown Heights North Association for organizing this event. Check out their site at http://www.crownheightsnorth.com/ - We can help push this along if we fill out the LPC's Request For Evaluation found here http://www.crownheightsnorth.com/request_for_evaluation.pdf
  • capt. planet
    capt. planet
    To get an idea of why Landmarking is important, take a look at 950 St. Johns Place. This building is the first in a row of very similar two story townhouses between NY and Brooklyn Avenues.
    Or I should say, "was". As it is in the process of being demolished. Apparently there was structural problems with the building. The owner, Aaron Rosenberg's solution?. Replace it with a six story behemoth, the max allowed by the current zoning. Would you want this on your block? If not, then landmarking is something you should be supporting.
  • roesmoker
    roesmoker
    Thanks for the info on the meeting. I found out my potential house will be included in Phase II, which I think is awesome. As a lover of old architecture, I wish all of NY was landmarked. 99 out of 100 new developments are fugly.
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