While several micro-neighborhoods in the area collectively known as Victorian Flatbush have been designated historic districts, many others are unprotected and in danger of losing their rich history, according to an article in yesterday’s Times. The good news is that the LPC is almost certainly going to name Midwood Park and Fiske Terrace historic districts this week, which means they’ll join already landmarked Albemarle-Kenmore Terraces (designated in 1978), Prospect Park South (’79), and Ditmas Park (’81). Still, that leaves more than half of Victorian Flatbush—including Caton Park, West Midwood, Ditmas Park West, and Beverley Square West—unlandmarked, and many preservationists and residents are worried that unchecked development will result in the loss of those areas’ stunning collections of Victorian houses. We don’t want the Manhattanization of Brooklyn, says Ron Schweiger, who lives in Beverley Square West and is the Brooklyn borough historian. We don’t want high-rises coming into residential areas. That’s why we want all of Victorian Flatbush to get historic district status. (On a side note, the joke was on the Times writer who took one local blogger’s renaming of her micronabe at face value. Hah!)
Peaked Roofs, Crossed Fingers [NY Times]
Fiske Terrace/Midwood Park Designation Two Weeks Away [Brownstoner]
Times Admits Past Errors: We Are Not All Ditmas Park [Flatbush Gardener]
Photo of Beverley Square West house by Flatbush Gardener.