Neighbors Oppose Extension on Landmarked Prospect Heights Block
Neighbors on a landmarked block of Prospect Heights are fighting to preserve their interior green space — a concept that has come to be known as the “green doughnut” — from intrusion by a proposed extension at 203 Prospect Place. They have gathered more than 70 signatures on a petition against the two-story tiered extension, which…
Neighbors on a landmarked block of Prospect Heights are fighting to preserve their interior green space — a concept that has come to be known as the “green doughnut” — from intrusion by a proposed extension at 203 Prospect Place. They have gathered more than 70 signatures on a petition against the two-story tiered extension, which would measure 21 feet deep by 20 feet wide at its biggest points, according to one of the neighbors.
“The addition would jut out into the historic ‘garden core’ and block light and views from neighboring properties,” our tipster said. Above, a photo of the backyard green space sent in by a local.
The proposal did not pass at the Community Board 8 meeting October 9. It goes up in front of the Landmarks Preservation Commission Tuesday, November 18.
The attached brownstone row house at No. 203 was designed by Eastman & Daus in the Neo-Grec style and built in 1885, according to the note in the LPC calendar. The hearing is for more than just the rear yard addition. The owners also wish to “alter the front areaway.”
We have reached out to the architects on the project, but have not yet heard back from them. We’ll update the story if we do.
Well, i’m not sure if the owners are necessarily douchebags. The previous sellers who sold the property to the new owners may have pitched air rights to build the extension. Without the rights, the property would be devalued and the surrounding properties made more valuable. You effectively screw the owners without compensation. Maybe something like an easement should be created and paid for by the surrounding properties that benefit from that easement should be a fair compromise?