« Wednesday Links Open Thread »

April 1, 2009

Ugly Politics May Trump Reason in Admiral's Row Saga

We wish this were an April Fool's joke but it's not. Despite protracted efforts by the preservation world and a number of alternative proposals, one of the most important pieces of Brooklyn's history may be destined for destruction. According to a report in Crain's yesterday afternoon, the National Guard and the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation have worked out a deal that would demolish all but one of 10 historic former naval residences that form Admiral's Row along Flushing Avenue; the timber shed (above) would be spared the wrecking ball as well. If this is indeed the case, the short-sightedness and lack of imagination on the part of both parties is truly unconscionable. “If the reported compromise on the future of the Admiral’s Row buildings is true we are deeply disappointed because the majority of these buildings could and should be saved," wrote Lisa Kersavage of the Municipal Art Society in an email last night. "We will continue fighting to save these important structures.” And Peg Breen, president of The New York Landmarks Conservancy, hit the nail on the head when she said that “The Navy Yard made this an either-or situation, and it didn’t have to be that way.” Indeed, the decision to frame the debate as preservation for the elites versus fresh food for the poor was a disgusting, though disappointingly effective, display of populist politics that conveniently pushed all the class and race buttons it was designed to and made it close to impossible to any politician to work towards saving the buildings. There's supposed to be some kind of hearing to announce the "compromise" later this month. Let's hope Crain's got its information wrong.
Time Runs Out for Brooklyn’s Admiral’s Row [Crain's]
Report: Admiral's Row Discharged [Curbed]
Admiral's Row: Up Close and Personal [Brownstoner]
MAS Floats Plans to Preserve Admiral's Row & Build Market [Brownstoner]
Public Hearing on Admiral's Row Held Last Night [Brownstoner]
Pratties Have 'Cake-and-Eat-It' Design for Admiral's Row [Brownstoner]
Guard Starts Talks 'To Come Up With Alternatives' For Row [Brownstoner]
James Opens Door to (Partial) Admiral's Row Preservation [Brownstoner]
Officers’ Row Supermarket Not Happening Anytime Soon [Brownstoner]
Admiral's Row: Feds Must 'Consider' Preservation [Brownstoner]
Admiral's Row: "Extremely High Level of Historic Integrity" [Brownstoner]
Officers' Row: Let's Have Our Cake and Eat It Too [Brownstoner]
Officers' Row Preservation Coming to a Contentious Head [Brownstoner]
For Officer's Row, Supermarket All But Certain [Brownstoner]

Trackback Pings

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.brownstoner.com/mte/mt-tb.cgi/9075

Comments

Now can we give it a rest?

The What

Someday this war is gonna end..

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 9:17 AM

Wow. That overhead photo sure does demonstrate how you'd have to knock down all the buildings to wedge in a supermarket. [smacking head with brick]

Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at April 1, 2009 9:31 AM

i think they should be saved but on the one hand i think people need to put up or shut up. if you really want these saved then put up the money to save them. yes i said that. your own money. what in the long run will make more money and benefit the locals? a supermarket? or a bunch of restored historical houses that, let's be real, basically no one will visit.

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 1, 2009 9:37 AM

Actually, two buildings are planned for the site, plus the Zoning Resolution required parking. I don't put that forth as an argument for demolition. But comments like (dear) Brenda's reflect a common misunderstanding that only the supermarket is going on the site.

Also, there were many advocates for saving at least a couple more buildings. However, no one ever identified any funding source other than telling the Navy Yard it should pay millions of dollars to satisfy other people's desires. I think preservationists made a good case for saving a few buildings, but they never succeded in convincing people with money that it is a financially viable option.

Posted by: g man at April 1, 2009 9:52 AM

This is politics at it's worst. Hold public hearings, debate the facts, and then ignore all input and go with the plan you had before any public forums were held. Disgusting.

Posted by: DarkStar at April 1, 2009 9:52 AM

Why can't you just take the loss and move on? Show some sportsmanship. Why the need to play sore loser.

"The decision to frame the debate as preservation for the elites versus fresh food for the poor was a disgusting, though disappointingly effective, display of populist politics...

What's disgusting is that you blame class warfare and race-baiting for the defeat of one your pet projects. You seem to imply that the type of populist politics that trys to address the needs of thousands of poor, mostly black citizens living within a 1/2 mile radius of this project is somehow wrong.

Maybe next time they'll(you) realize that they have to do a better job of involving citizens in the immediate vicinity of their pet projects. Blogging, Twittering, Email Campaigns, Message Boards and other virtual campaigns only go but so far. At the end of the day, you still have to win over the locals. And they failed miserably at that task.

At the end of the day i think you should be pleased like, Lisa Kersavage(MAS director), that some of the buildings will saved. Follow her lead, gracious in defeat.. And skip the class and race whining.

Posted by: Colonel Steve Austin at April 1, 2009 9:54 AM

"What's disgusting is that you blame class warfare and race-baiting for the defeat of one your pet projects."

We can rebuild him... We can make him stronger, faster!!!!!

Spot-on Six Million Dollar Man!!!

The What (The What tosses Colonel Steve Austin a pack of Skittles)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 10:00 AM

Lisa Kersavage isn't pleased:

“If the reported compromise on the future of the Admiral’s Row buildings is true we are deeply disappointed because the majority of these buildings could and should be saved," wrote Lisa Kersavage of the Municipal Art Society in an email last night. "We will continue fighting to save these important structures.”

Posted by: brownstoner at April 1, 2009 10:09 AM

The timber shed seems like one of the buidlings that is truly beyond repair and not worth saving. Ironic that they are not demolishing it. Probably trying to save demolition costs.

As some of the alternative proposals suggested, you can have the grocery store and some of the buildings.

Posted by: 1842 at April 1, 2009 10:17 AM

"...one of the most important pieces of Brooklyn's history.."
you lost me after that...
it's just some dumpy buildings in complete disrepair, this is no Penn Station.

Posted by: oe at April 1, 2009 10:19 AM

I was simply quoting the end of the Crain's article.

Lisa Kersavage, director of advocacy and policy for the Municipal Art Society said that the organization is pleased that at least some of the buildings will saved. However, she says she would have preferred to have all the buildings remain.

I guess she must tell the press(Crain's) one thing, while she tells her legion of zealous supporters something else. Or Crain's has it all wrong..

Posted by: Colonel Steve Austin at April 1, 2009 10:22 AM

Crain's paraphrased her incorrectly, which is why she sent out the email afterwards.

Posted by: brownstoner at April 1, 2009 10:26 AM

Let's raise property taxes to pay for it. To be fair, we'll make it somewhat optional. Those who who show up at these meetings demanding preservation will see hefty tax increases. Half of that increase will go to upkeep of the buildings, the other half will go to subsidize Fresh Direct delivery in a neighborhood with crap grocery stores.

I'm with Pitbull. Put up or shut up. The Preservationists, especially in this economy with this dysfunctional government, should pay to play. Or at least explain how/why government, private businesses, "philanthropists" or just regular schmoes should make this a priority considering all the other budget problems, tax hikes, layoffs, etc.

Posted by: RaginCajun at April 1, 2009 10:35 AM

RaginCajun,
The philistines have been wanting to tear this down since well before the current financial crisis. Historic preservation has been proven to have long-term positive effects on neighborhoods and land values. You are falling into the same trap as all the other either-or people--keep a bunch of the buildings and make a supermarket. Hell, if the Navy Yard will give us the space, we'll put on a mega-greenmarket there that won't require any money to build. Then they can use the saved money to restore the houses and create a tourist destination.

Posted by: brownstoner at April 1, 2009 10:42 AM

i would have visited it.

Posted by: i disagree at April 1, 2009 10:47 AM

RaginCajun,
By your logic, then, should the preservationists be able to get a tax rebate for public spending projects that they don't agree with? Maybe if they don't have kids they can get some money back for the portion of their taxes that go to public schools. Brilliant idea!

Posted by: brownstoner at April 1, 2009 10:50 AM

Me too. But I'd shut up before I put up.

Posted by: Ahh beer at April 1, 2009 10:51 AM

" Historic preservation has been proven to have long-term positive effects on neighborhoods and land values. "

Hey riddle me this? Why all this Hyper Love for Admiral's Row???!!! When the developer was tearing down half of Brooklyn in the Mutant Asset Bubble where was you???? How about Albee Square Mall for starters! Thor Equities demolished a standing Mall to build... another Mall?? Now we have a F**** hole in the ground and no activity on that site! Coney Island is another example!!! This is one (of many) reason why I can't stand you Brownstoner, you are disingenuous and a hypocrite!!!!

The What (Yeah Yeah Yeah)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 10:55 AM

mr. b, i don't like the idea of these buildings being demolished either. but c'mon, do you really think running a greenmarket will fund a restoration? figure the restoration will cost around $10mm -- so on a five-year plan, you'd have to clear $2mm/year in pure profit. that's some greenmarket! i know you weren't advancing a serious business proposal but the point is that funding a museum-quality restoration of these buildings will be incredibly expensive and there isn't much money around these days. (although i'd support bailout money putting some contractors to work on this!)

Posted by: z at April 1, 2009 11:04 AM

Where were we, What? We've been decrying the destruction of old buildings since the day this blog started. As you may recall, we were recognized by HDC last year for our work on behalf of preservation (see link below). And as you can tell from all the links underneath the post, Admiral's Row has been a special interest of ours for quite a while. You're entitled to your opinion that you'd like to see it torn down, but you can't question the sincerity of our position.

http://tinyurl.com/cbxe6m

Posted by: brownstoner at April 1, 2009 11:05 AM

Pitbull and RajinCajun you don't get it. Admirals row is land owned by the National Guard. They refused to issue an RFP for the project, and no one but the Navy Yard was ever considered to develop the property. No one COULD make an offer.

Posted by: DarkStar at April 1, 2009 11:05 AM

"You're entitled to your opinion that you'd like to see it torn down, but you can't question the sincerity of our position."

Where did I said that Brownstoner? I don't give a F*** about the Navy Yard!! I just just hate people being disingenuous and hypocrites!!! Those buildings in Admiral's Row SERVED NO PURPOSE TO US IN BROOKLYN!!!!!!!!! Coney Island and Albee Square Mall did!!!!!!!!!!

GOT IT STUPID!!!!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 11:25 AM

"r. b, i don't like the idea of these buildings being demolished either. but c'mon, do you really think running a greenmarket will fund a restoration? figure the restoration will cost around $10mm -- so on a five-year plan, you'd have to clear $2mm/year in pure profit. that's some greenmarket!"

That's call Jerking Off to a fantasy! The City of New York has bigger problems now and all the Asshat can do is fund his wet dream that serves no purpose to anyone!

The What (Yeah right)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 11:28 AM

quote:

but you can't question the sincerity of our position."

wait. why not?

*rob*

Posted by: PitbullNYC at April 1, 2009 11:30 AM

Mr. B, I'd suggest that you don't wrestle with a pig in shit. Clearly The What has spent a lot of time studying architecture to be touting the beautiful vernacular structure that was The Albeee Square Mall.

Posted by: DarkStar at April 1, 2009 11:31 AM

Sound like double talk to me, but that's to be expected for a chairperson trying to rally the zealots in the face of defeat..

So the fight continues... Who is the opponent? You said you have a problem with the manner in which the 'debate was framed'. Who framed it as such, BNYDC? Do you continue to bash BNYDC? As far as they're continued, they're moving forward with a plan that best serves the needs of the citizens in the immediate vicinity.

Being criticized as short-short sighted, lacking imagination and falling into some sort of trap doesn't do much to advance your cause.

The hoity-toity, we know whats best attitude displayed by many preservationist is what dooms them from the start. No one has to frame them as elitists, they do it all by themselves. Drawings from IvoryTower professors and their students, combined with artsy-fartsy types reinforced the elite image. But most importantly, they failed because their community outreach sucked. They failed miserably in getting the thousands and thousands of citizens in the immediate vicinity(1/2 mile or less) come aboard their plan.

I am bothered by the fact that when the preservation zealots don't get the outcomes they feel they deserve, the first thing out their mouths is class warfare/populist politics.

Its over... You lost... They threw you a bone... Learn your lesson and move one... I hope you find a way to move on without perpetuating the class warfare angle. Be a Uniter not a Divider.

Posted by: Colonel Steve Austin at April 1, 2009 11:33 AM

"Maybe if they don't have kids they can get some money back for the portion of their taxes that go to public schools. Brilliant idea!"

Sign me up.

Posted by: RaginCajun at April 1, 2009 11:38 AM

"The hoity-toity, we know whats best attitude displayed by many preservationist is what dooms them from the start. No one has to frame them as elitists, they do it all by themselves. Drawings from IvoryTower professors and their students, combined with artsy-fartsy types reinforced the elite image. But most importantly, they failed because their community outreach sucked. They failed miserably in getting the thousands and thousands of citizens in the immediate vicinity(1/2 mile or less) come aboard their plan."

PWNED!!!!!

The What (Oh that was ugly)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 11:39 AM

Do you know what a forgone conclusion is Colonel Steve Austin?

The "thousands" of community members didn't show up to rally at the planning meetings for a grocery store either. Does that mean the Navy Yards outreach sucked too? There were small groups from each side at the early meetings. Only the preservationists showed up at every single meeting, and every point they made was conveniently ignored because the decision was made before a single public meeting was even held.

Posted by: DarkStar at April 1, 2009 11:39 AM

Rob,
Because of the examples we gave and the track record of countless posts on this blog.

Posted by: brownstoner at April 1, 2009 11:44 AM

from what i hear from people who are knowlegable about this issue -I don't know anything myself- is that the process is not over. This was a leak from the Navy Yard to sort of convince people it is over. Sleazy.

Also, the article mentioned the saving of two buildings didn't it? One of the houses and the timber shed. The timber shed is supposedly the only one of its kind left standing in the United States. It was where the timber masts and other planks and such were stored for the repair of the old wooden clipper ships. That's pretty cool.

Posted by: sam at April 1, 2009 11:50 AM

I've seen the buildings recently, and they are pretty far gone. Also, the immediate surrounding area has nothing that I can see benefitting from the restoration of these buildings, and it's hard to imagine their being a tourist destination that could even support their upkeep. It's sad to see old buildings and this slice of history go, but realistically no one is willing to pay or should be forced to pay. If there are any dollars available, better to focus them on the hospital grounds and surrounding bulidings in the Navy Yard as a museum / tour area. Time has passed the Row by irrevocably and it's time to move on.

Posted by: jawbreaker at April 1, 2009 11:56 AM

"If there are any dollars available, better to focus them on the hospital grounds and surrounding bulidings in the Navy Yard as a museum / tour area."

How about taking these dollars for more Police and Teachers? How is that for a novel idea?

"Because of the examples we gave and the track record of countless posts on this blog."

Time Runs Out for Brooklyn’s Admiral’s Row [Crain's]
Report: Admiral's Row Discharged [Curbed]
Admiral's Row: Up Close and Personal [Brownstoner]
MAS Floats Plans to Preserve Admiral's Row & Build Market [Brownstoner]
Public Hearing on Admiral's Row Held Last Night [Brownstoner]
Pratties Have 'Cake-and-Eat-It' Design for Admiral's Row [Brownstoner]
Guard Starts Talks 'To Come Up With Alternatives' For Row [Brownstoner]
James Opens Door to (Partial) Admiral's Row Preservation [Brownstoner]
Officers’ Row Supermarket Not Happening Anytime Soon [Brownstoner]
Admiral's Row: Feds Must 'Consider' Preservation [Brownstoner]
Admiral's Row: "Extremely High Level of Historic Integrity" [Brownstoner]
Officers' Row: Let's Have Our Cake and Eat It Too [Brownstoner]
Officers' Row Preservation Coming to a Contentious Head [Brownstoner]
For Officer's Row, Supermarket All But Certain [Brownstoner]

So this make it right, right? Ok I'm done!

The What (A Asshats gotta know his limits)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 12:00 PM

The article, which I suspect was planted by the Navy Yard and the Mayor's Office, concedes that at least two of the buildings will be saved, no matter how far gone. So even the number crunchers at the Navy Yard are willing to save two of the strucutres.
In light of this, why are some posters still promoting the demolition of all the buildings?

Posted by: sam at April 1, 2009 12:07 PM

OK, I'm going to wade in here, firmly on the side of preservation and protection. The row didn't disintegrate a week before the economy tanked. They've been allowed to fall apart for the last 30 years. It was advised in the 70's that steps be taken to preserve the houses, and nobody did anything then, as everyone involved either passed the buck to another agency, or decided it wasn't their problem, since no one else was taking care of it. Voila, now we have what we have.

I heartily disagree that because of their location, nobody would journey there for a tourist attraction. People said that about the South Street Seaport the Intrepid, and the Brooklyn Children's Museum, too. Granted, this is more remote, but it's not impossible. The Children's Museum has a trolley, as there is a museum bus, and tourist double deckers could easily take tourists there, especially as part of a Steiner Studio/Navy Yard tour. Public transportation is not super close, but it is there, people go to the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Garden, and countless other public places when they have a mind too. This is much closer.

The either/or scenario given is so frustratingly short sighted. I've ranted about it before, so anyone interested in the Yards has seen it, but suffice it to say, I agree with Brownstoner on this one.

There is also a HUGE difference between Admiral's Row and Albee Square Mall. Apples and oranges. If you want to get upset over what was wrecked next door to the Dime Savings Bank, then we should be more upset that they tore down an historic Albee Square Theatre to build that POS mall, which never did well, for a whole host of reasons, including shoddy management. The only store to do well in there was Toys R Us, hardly a reason for a large mall with space for around 50 stores. And I'm not a Fulton Mall snob, either. I've shopped all up and down the street, and the mall never had good traffic, or successful stores.

The People need supermarkets, yes. There has always been a desire by most preservationists to include a market in that vast space shown above. Brenda is right. It is disingenuous to pit the community and its needs against the desire to preserve our history, especially when there is clearly the space for both, and the opportunity to do something important in the preservation of our city. The Navy Yard was one of the largest, and finest and most important military installations in the US. We should be able to do better than what we are planning to do.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at April 1, 2009 12:39 PM

Montrose Morris I'm very happy for you. You and Brownstoner have a alliance now and that is good news however I think Jon can handle his own augments. The point I'm making about Allbe Square Mall and Coney Island is those locations had a purpose and Admiral's Row had none. Here you said it yourself "The row didn't disintegrate a week before the economy tanked. They've been allowed to fall apart for the last 30 years. It was advised in the 70's that steps be taken to preserve the houses, and nobody did anything then, as everyone involved either passed the buck to another agency, or decided it wasn't their problem, since no one else was taking care of it. Voila, now we have what we have."

To take places that was serving the community (I know ASM was a dump sometimes) and leave blight is disgusting! No one cared about Admiral's Row until the Assheads showed up!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 12:56 PM

What, I know Jon can fight his own battles, and I'm glad he's taking to commenting more on topics such as this. I just happen to agree with him on this one, nothing more sinister or planned than that. My positions on this issue are well documented in previous threads.

I disagree that no one cared about AR until the "Assheads" showed up. The workings of the Navy Yard have been a closed book for the public until recently. The place has been guarded and some of it classified, and parts are still difficult to get into. Workspace and offices for non defense industries is a relatively new concept for much of the Yard. If the houses weren't visible from the street, we'd never even know they were there, it's not like Joe Public can just stroll in and look around. People have been asking about those houses for a long time. Answers were never forthcoming.

Sometimes it takes the Assheads to get something done, but not always. Ordinary neighborhood residents, old timers and new, are the ones who facilitate change. I see that in Crown Heights North every day, and I'm proud to be one of them. There has always been interest in preserving Admiral's Row. I really don't care who those people are, I'm just glad they want to save it, and care enough to put up a fight.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at April 1, 2009 1:14 PM

Montrose Morris I'm going back into my Bunker. I don't want to engage you. Please leave me alone and have fun with your new post. I wish you luck and success..

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 1:18 PM

One of the fascinating things about this whole debate has always been the way in which the 2 sides are talking past eachother instead of talking to eachother.

BNYDC has been making the argument that they can't restore the houses because it is not financially feasible. They've basically said that there is no use out there that will generate the revenue that can justify the huge renovation costs (I think the number has been $30-$40 million). Therefore, in order to save these buildings it would require significanct public subsidy. They have not found any source for the public subsidy, and even if they did, there are other preservation projects in the Yard (like the hospital and the surgeon's house) that they deem more worthy of funds and are higher up on their list. Once they accept the fact the the houses are not savable, they looked into what would work there from a market perspective, and have determined that a supermarket is a feasible use that would also serve a community need.

The preservationist did not respond with any real ideas of uses that would make the renovation financially feasible. They didn't come back with any sources of subsidy for this rehab. And they never came back with an argument for why we should be spending money on these buildings instead of on the hospital and surgeon's house, which are much more important landmarks. Instead, they came back with drawings showing that you could shoehorn the supermarket in without demolishing the buildings. There was no financial analysis, and norecognition of the fact that no supermarket developer would want to operate in that configuration where they were surrounded by crumbling buildings. And no supermarket developer was going to subsidize the cost to renovate the building.

In short, the preservationists acted as if the issue were about layout of the site and not about financial feasibility end use - which is what it's always been about.

Posted by: Make My Heights the P Heights at April 1, 2009 1:19 PM

Money is not 100% fungible between things like historical preservation and cops and teachers, you can only say that in the abstract.

The difference between the Bronx Zoo, Seaport, Children's museum and these houses lies in the amount of stuff to see/do when you get there and the appeal to kids, which in turn drives their parents' spending and destination choices.

Posted by: jawbreaker at April 1, 2009 2:10 PM

OMG! Did Montrose Morris just get The What to scurry back into his deep dark burrow? I heart MM.

Posted by: DarkStar at April 1, 2009 2:16 PM

"mommy, mommy, i want to go to admiral's row!"

"sweetie, we just went last weekend."

"but i want to see the cedar-lined closets again! and the intricate corbels!"

"uh-huh. wouldn't you rather go to the zoo? or how about we see monsters vs. aliens."

"NOOOO! i want to see grand parlors and richly-detailed woodwork!"

"we'll talk about it tomorrow. it's bedtime now. what book would you like to read?"

"power broker! power broker!"

Posted by: z at April 1, 2009 2:23 PM

"OMG! Did Montrose Morris just get The What to scurry back into his deep dark burrow? I heart MM."

No Darksh*t I had to hit the Fail-safe button! I don't want to Deep Attack Montrose Morris. I held back and just let things be things. No one makes me "scurry back" to anything...

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 2:26 PM

"one of the most important pieces of Brooklyn's history may be destined for destruction"

But is it really one of the most important? By what standard? I agree that, in an ideal world, these buildings should be saved. But I don't think overstating the importance of Admiral's Row helps your case. It's sad to see any piece of historic brooklyn fall into the crosshairs of ta wrecking ball. But as preservationists, don't we have to choose our battles? we can't save everything. these buildings may have a special place in your heart, but the case for why they should be saved has to be more than an emotional appeal. It's not just that a supermarket serves a real need for the community; other than the nostalgic and romantic impulses behind restoring an old building, I don't see how these buildings would become a vital part of Brooklyn history. I felt the same way about the high line project in Manhattan. Seemed like a great deal of time and money and creativity went into restoring it, but given everything else that's falling apart in NYC, things that are actually vital to the way we live and interact, I didn't think the project made any sense...

Posted by: Vanderman at April 1, 2009 2:26 PM

If money were the only issue, few preservation projects anywhere in the City would pass muster. It is usually less expensive to knock down and rebuild cheaply. But money is only one of the factors that need to be considered in a public project of this magnitude. One that affects such valuable historic resources. As I wrote before, the timber shed is one-of-a-kind. And it is a completely flexible space for housing all sorts of commerical uses. The houses are also important historically for their links to the City's military history, which is something often overlooked. How many people know that the Statue of Liberty was built on top of a military fort? Fort Wood.
What the Navy did at the Admirals Row site was unforgivable. Not only disrespecting the City of Brooklyn but also their own history and legacy. Now we need to figure out how to salvage something from the mess. It is not a fool's errand as some have suggested but rather a responsible assessment of our heritage and our built environment.

Posted by: sam at April 1, 2009 2:27 PM

I love it when The What gets defensive. It almost makes you think he's a real person and not an a robot programmed to hate on anything reasonable or positive.

Posted by: DarkStar at April 1, 2009 2:30 PM

This is Brooklyn. People have been living here for hundreds of years. There's historical stuff all over.

A revolutionary war battle was fought 3oo yards from my apartment. A jehovah's witness miracle (or two) happened in DUMBO. Big E grew up on a block in Clinton Hill.

One of my favorite "historical" buildings is 770 Eastern Parkway. Not many buildings have a connection to a claimed messiah. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/770_Eastern_Parkway

If we preserve it all, there would be nowhere left to live.

Deciding what needs to be preserved is a political process; it's going to get ugly sometimes.

Posted by: slick at April 1, 2009 2:47 PM

"Big E"??????????????? I missed him! Oh you mean Biggie, right?

The What <---- A Big E song...

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: Return of The What at April 1, 2009 2:59 PM

"I wish you luck and success..The What"

My goodness. Thank you.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at April 1, 2009 3:36 PM

"In short, the preservationists acted as if the issue were about layout of the site and not about financial feasibility end use - which is what it's always been about."

Well said, MMHTPH.

Posted by: g man at April 1, 2009 4:00 PM

« Wednesday Links Open Thread »

April 1, 2009

Ugly Politics May Trump Reason in Admiral's Row Saga

Trackback Pings

Comments

Post a comment

Latest Restaurant Additions