But, as NY1 is reporting, our home may soon qualify for landmark status. However, much like those at the meeting, I have no clue what that means.
If in 1930 the house had pink flowers in front can the owner no longer plant red? Or does it just mean that if someone moved out, Starbucks can't move in?
Any insight and comments from those more familiar with the topic would definitely be appreciated!
5 comments:
there is specific info about what landmarking means to homeowners here:
nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/faqs/faqs.shtml
my two cents is that landmarking for sunnyside gardens will protect us from the mcmansions, illegal curb cut driveways and other horrible things that plague places like astoria and woodside. by the year 2030 there will be another 1 million people living in nyc and the distinctive hometown feel of sunnyside gardens will be even more needed than it is today.
i attended that meeting and it seems the opposition to landmarking is a small number of people who are upset because they were "left out of the process."
i believe the landmarks commisisioner when he says they want to work with homeowners to preserve the character of this special nabe and not to police us.
i think the vast majority of the nabe sees is in favor of it. in favor of protecting this beautiful special district.
Landmarking means different things to different neighborhood, but it always means something pretty good. In Park Slope, the LPC negotiated with ConEd to provide FREE gaslights for the neighborhood (that's not going to happen here, SG happened long after 'lectricity). But what will happen here is protection of open space, no curbcuts that replace lawns with driveways, no more unapproved dormers or increases to footprints to the houses.
It's about open space and its protection here. As for leaving people out of the process, the website has been up for four years, public postings for meetings has been happening for a very long time, including very public meetings.
It means controlled growth, and better enforcement of rules already in place. I strongly support Landmarking, and I think when the facts are clear, residents will nearly unanimously support it too.
Whoops! that's "means different things to different neighborhood*s*."
Love to all my neighbors, in favor of landmarking or not! I luvs all youze guys; you're the reason I moved here... (and all the open space).
It seems like the problem is really the LPC approval process for repairs and alterations to buildings within a district that are the problem.
Improve the commission's approval process, limit the red tape, and you'd probably get less resistance.
Landmark status for a district isn't all bad. It builds value for the current homeowners, but also foreshadows further gentrification. Neither of which can be stopped by protesting, really. At least, it hasn't happened yet.
Actually, the LPC is pretty damn good, compared to the department of buildings. They got back to our neighbors within 48 hours. As for city planning and DoB? They NEVER got back in re: dormer construction.
Gentrification is not a result of landmarking, but a result of a stupid-crazy real estate market. Middle class and wealthier families are being forced out of Manhattan. They'll end up here, whether we like it or not. And so will high prices... they have, and without landmarking. Gentrification is here, like it or not.
Aluminum siding need not end up here.
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