Landmark Status
Hi, I’m purchasing a brownstone in the Stuyvesant Heights area of Bedstuy a block off of the historic district. I did a DOB search and it says that the landmark status is calandered. A couple of questions: 1) what does that mean? 2) is landmark designation good or more hassle due to dealing with landmark…
Hi,
I’m purchasing a brownstone in the Stuyvesant Heights area of Bedstuy a block off of the historic district. I did a DOB search and it says that the landmark status is calandered. A couple of questions:
1) what does that mean?
2) is landmark designation good or more hassle due to dealing with landmark boards for renovation?
thanks.
Agree with DIBS, my house (that I’ve owned for under 3 months) is landmarked in Bed-Stuy and yes, the neighbors ARE all up in your business in this neighborhood. I’m the poster dealing with the issue of having the neighbor call 311 on me for my windows. (The irony of this all is that no one rats out the hardened criminals over here but a landmarks violation…ohhh unacceptable.)
I’m probably one of the younger posters on here (mid-late 20’s) but in my opinion landmarked bldgs appear to be a pain in the rear. If I’m paying the mortgage and taxes I should be able to do what I please with it. All of this hiring an architect business just appears to double the cost of whatever you wanted to do.
Bed-Stuy has been landmarked since ’71 (yes I’ve done my research now!) and the property values JUST started going up this decade, not due to landmarked status but due to gentrification.
Well, to sum up my rant: brownstones= great investment, landmarked property = pain in the rear
IMO, since it’s not landmarked yet, I’d do everything I can get away with beforehand. Grandfather it yourself. And I doubt any neighbors will rat you out.
DIBS, you can away with a lot w/o permits, trust. Of course, I live in a neighborhood where people are not up in your business. And I’m here to stay, so.
We’re signing the contract at 11 am Wed. Congratulations Susan, and if you don’t mind me asking, what bank is it that offers low rates for Bed Stuy? Thanks.
I also agree that any replacement work (windows, etc) on the front should always comply. Yes, that issue with the deck visible from a street is a tricky one.
You’re going to get caught doing work on the front of your building without any permits.
Hello, DIBS. I imagine that chances are that nothing will happen, but I I’m not going to take the chance in investing in expensive windows or facade work w.o. their approval. The thing is, I agree with their tenets. I’m also concerned about a back deck. Not that we’ll be able to afford one right away, but since there is an empty lot behind our house, that back is visible from the street so they may not allow it. Meanwhile my 2 neighbors have back decks!
We should have a Bed-Stuy party.
WOW…all these people buying in Bed Stuy. Fantastic. What, BHO, cornerbodega…..comment??????
Four building on my block had their facade work done this year…three of them were simply painted. I’m sure none of them got permits for that work. Windows are a different story entirely.
Landmark designation is very good. I am also in contract to buy in your neighborhood and my block is calendared. The LPC REQUIRES that all renovation drawings get LPC approval for calendared properties just as if they were already designated. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can get on over on the LPC. And they will work with you on loans and grants to do the work.
Landmark designation is good because it preserves the architecture and character of a neighborhood, and no matter what your objections, it’s virtually the only way to assure that. Landmark designation is a hassle because it absolutely increases the cost, duration and paperwork required for nearly every repair you want to make that is not an “ordinary” repair. In addition to the repairs mentioned above,
LPC permits also apply to major repairs to stoops, handrails, and areaways, and obtaining LPC certificates of no effect when making certain repairs and renovations inside and/or to the rear of a house located in a landmarked district. You can begin to understand what’s involved by referring to these links: http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/working_with/working_with.shtml
http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/workguide.pdf
Not sure about #1, but the answer to #2 would be anything to do with the exterior: i.e. New windows (needs landmark approval) through wall AC, Exhusts etc are usually not permitted unless it is grandfathered in and/or if it’s exhausted through the back of the building that is not easily visable to the eye. It just requires more filing/approval from the city in addtion to your Board.