Here's to respectful dialogue!!

Posted by: Archiefina at July 11, 2006 3:39 PM in response to Site Registration for Commenting

Iceberg,

You are comparing apples to oranges.

Fieldston, from memory, is an entire district in the Bronx. Landmarking of that district should indeed increase property values over time, as the various graphs that Brownstoner has posted in the past indicate.

Dr. Bartha, on the other hand, destroyed one townhouse in one historic district. Fine, he can rebuild and generate wealth, but that is inapposite as to whether to designate a district as historic from the outset.

And, assuming the graphs mentioned above are valid, one could argue that the increase in value associated with Dr. Bartha's ability to rebuild (which, by the way, assumes compliance with the landmark facade rules) stems, at least partly in fact, from his property's location in the UES historic district.

Posted by: Archiefina at July 12, 2006 10:38 AM in response to Wednesday Links

Iceberg,

No matter how many times I repeat after you, I, and perhaps others, have gleaned "an" impression from the data, not the "wrong" impression from the data. I would argue that price movements are not the only indication of a world being "richer or poorer" and that, rather, having an historically appropriate neighborhood also makes the world a richer place irrespective of what your econ textbook tells you.

Posted by: Archiefina at July 12, 2006 11:39 AM in response to Wednesday Links

This is an exquisite house and, after Ameraleed's thoughtful response, I'd sure be interested if not already ensconced in Clinton Hill!

Posted by: Archiefina at July 19, 2006 9:42 PM in response to House of the Day: 1252 Dean Street

Question is, can Shahn finish the project by Christmas *and* entertain us with his reno blog along the way - the answer is, hopefully, yes!!

Posted by: Archiefina at July 27, 2006 11:48 AM in response to LPC Greenlights Cambridge Haunted House

The only good thing that will come out of this building's demise is, perhaps, a broader awareness and community focus on landmarking this portion of Clinton Hill. A rallying point, like the 1960's demolition of Penn Station which, like this building, suffered from being "merely" a civic landmark.

Posted by: Archiefina at July 27, 2006 1:44 PM in response to Civil War Era Gem Facing Wrecking Ball

Looks to me like it came from an undertaker.

Posted by: Archiefina at August 1, 2006 4:01 PM in response to Salvager: Turn of the Century Tin Tub

Balancing annoyance factor versus candor, I come out at 60% in favor of logging in and 40% against, on the main board. On the forum, I'd reverse those percentages, given that, by their nature, fact specific questions don't incite annoying, meandering threads among "anons".

Posted by: Archiefina at August 3, 2006 5:34 PM in response to What Do You Think of Restricted Commenting?

One of the "architects" (Awosika) was educated at, of all places, Pratt, according to his website. What an unmitigated slap in the face to the community.

Posted by: Archiefina at February 21, 2007 8:56 PM in response to Lot for Sale: Don't Mind the POS Next Door

I liked the Downing Street house, especially its proportions. Also, you could tell that the owner, who had done the renovations, had done them solidly. My only concern was the location - I live in Clinton Hill, but that street felt uncared for, and the apartment building across the street would make me think twice before buying.

Posted by: Archiefina at February 24, 2007 12:59 PM in response to Open House Picks

The building dates from the 1920s and is visually striking, but it is not in a historic district. I'm almost certain it is not landmarked, because none of the sales materials from the 2004 conversion mention it being an official landmark. Does anyone know how I can find this out for sure? Could I just call the ofice of the landmarks commission? I couldn't seem to find the info on their website.

Posted by: at February 27, 2007 8:45 AM in response to Window bars in ground floor apt?