If an overflow turnout, intelligent discourse, and active community participation were all it took to assure landmark status, then the residents of what will one day be the Bedford Historic District should be readying the champagne. The informational meeting, held Saturday, July 10th, at the Franklin Avenue Library’s auditorium, was so well attended that organizers had to hold an overflow meeting in another room, as library staff would not allow any more than 100 people into the room. Claudette Brady, The Bedford Corners Historic District Joint Block Association Committee Chair, along with Simeon Bankoff, the Executive Director of the Historic Districts Council, fielded questions about the landmarking process, the pros and cons of dealing with the Landmarks Preservation Commission and its rules and regulations, and the always present questions about replacement windows. Although there were some skeptics, most of the response was extremely positive, the most persistent question being why it has taken so long to landmark the area in the first place. The good news is that the LPC is sending staff out into the field, advancing the process, and although it will still take at least a couple of years, there is great confidence that the Bedford Historic District will become a reality. The name proposed for the new district – Bedford Historic District, has been modified to avoid confusion with Bedford Corners, in upstate NY. For more information, updates, and ways to help, see the Bedford Corners HD website.

Bedford Corners Historic District Meeting [Brownstoner]