Norah Jones Cuts Back on Her Windows
There’s peace in Cobble Hill. The platinum-selling singer Norah Jones, who got the neighborhood in quite a tizzy at the end of the year when she received approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission to pop in ten new windows along the western wall of her recently purchased townhouse, took a voluntary step at a compromise….
There’s peace in Cobble Hill. The platinum-selling singer Norah Jones, who got the neighborhood in quite a tizzy at the end of the year when she received approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission to pop in ten new windows along the western wall of her recently purchased townhouse, took a voluntary step at a compromise. According to The Brooklyn Paper, which broke the news, Jones has amended her LPC application to include only seven windows instead of ten–three on the top floor and four on the bottom floor. The president of the Cobble Hill Association, which has weighed in with the concern that the side windows are not historically consistent, expressed mixed feelings about the news: I’m still concerned that this sets a precedent, said Roy Sloane, the president of the Cobble Hill Association. But I’m always in favor of a compromise, if that’s what happened here. One concern that is not raised by either The Brooklyn Paper or The Post, which also covered the story, is whether the seven-window layout might actually look less natural than the original ten-window layout. Any thoughts on that?
Compromise in Norah Jones’ Windowgate Plan [NY Post]
Windows 7 was Norah Jones’s Idea [NY Post]
Cobble Hill Neighbors Irked by Norah Jones’ Windows [Brownstoner]
Everything that needs to be said about this busybody Roy and his no-life neighbors is right on. I’d also add that windows make safer sidewalks – they cast more light out on dark nights. And spooky empty lots. Street lights on very leafy streets with big trees are hardly ever sufficient. I also agree with Brownstoner that the asymmetrical arrangement of 7 windows will look worse than even rows of windows numbering 10. What’s to celebrate here?
I’m with Adam. A full face of windows, proeprly spaced, is much more appropriate looking than a handful of random windows or a missing floor of windows. The side face fo the building will have no nose. Would be far more elegant if done up like a real corner building.
Compromise? No way! I’m going over there right now with my sledge hammer and Sawzall and installing ten windows myself. Anybody with me? We could have it done in a day with the right crew.
I think the windows would also have ENHANCED their neighborhood. She lives next to a Vacant Lot. Are these people serious???? I love corner buildings with the protruding bay windows.
Roy sounds like a total busybody. He’s that same type that peers at his neighbors thru the shutters and gossips about their comings and goings. I hate to be one of his tenants or vice-versa.
Landmarks Preservation Commissions are certainly important and vital but this seems absurd.
Ms. Jones should not give in to the aesthetically challenged locals. Who prefers a blank wall to one that has windows? It is so idiotic as to warrant all the press coverage the subject has received.
Mr. Sloane is hurting his credibility and that of the association.
The precedent is set by most corner buildings. Get a life, Roy.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at January 8, 2010 9:05 AM
Yeah seriously. As long as they’re the right KIND of windows wouldn’t they just ADD to the building, making it a nicer-looking place? What’s so pretty about a plain brick wall?
More is best!
Dont worry Adam the Nimby’s arent going to back down – they wont settle for anything less than ‘EXACTLY LIKE IT WAS THE DAY I GOT HERE’;