Beverley Square West Association

From Erin Joslyn: re: Landmarking--

Jun 02, 2006

PROS, CONS, AND COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT LANDMARKING:

PROS:
- Landmarking preserves the historic character of the neighborhood. Homes cannot be renovated or remodeled in a manner that is insensitive to the original architectural intent.

- Landmarking increases the value of homes within catchments areas. This has been demonstrated by studies conducted by the University of Texas, Penn State and
Rutgers University (Wall Street Journal, March 16, 2006).

- Landmarked neighborhoods attract high end commercial establishments.

- Landmarking prevents both developers and private individuals from tearing down existing historic homes and building multi family homes.

- Homes in neighborhoods that are landmarked are eligible for substantial tax deductions through the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive program (www.natarchtrust.org).

- Loans are available to help homeowners maintain their historic homes to Landmarks specifications.

CONS:
- New York City Landmarks designation does place additional restrictions and responsibilities on owners of historic properties, most often involving exterior changes. Once designated, properties require a permit from the city Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for proposed changes. Approval must be obtained from the Commission before work begins. Fines may be incurred for violation of Landmarks guidelines.

- Maintaining a home to LPC standards can be more costly for the homeowner, although this is frequently offset by increased property values.


COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT LANDMARKING:
- Residents of neighborhoods that are granted landmark status are NOT required to remove or alter any pre-existing renovations (siding, vinyl windows, front porch enclosures) that do no comply with LPC guidelines.

For more information, check out the NYC Landmarks Preservation Website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/home/home.shtml

Many BSW residents have in recent years undertaken renovation projects designed to preserve the original architectural characters of their homes. Thanks to their hard work, BSW stands a much better chance of receiving NYC Landmarks approval than it did just 25 years ago. It is important to note that the NYC Landmarks commission also gives particular consideration to neighborhoods that are currently under threat and in particular need of protection. Grossly insensitive exterior renovations are on the rise throughout Victorian Flatbush, putting BSW squarely in this category.

In order for a neighborhood to apply for Landmark designation, over 50% of the community must sign a petition supporting the application. Before block representatives begin this exhausting task, I would like to invite BSW residents who feel they need more information to contact me with questions. If there is enough interest, I will hold a workshop covering Landmarking issues in the near future. We are also looking for more block reps, so that no single individual has to be responsible for an entire block. Erin Joslyn - ebarrett99@att.net or 718/703-3159.