213 Cumberland Slinks Back to LPC
Apparently someone blew the whistle on the owners of 213 Cumberland Street in Fort Greene for altering the fence around their brownstone. (The inset photo shows how the fence looked last year before the alterations.) The violation was particularly noticeable because of the property’s corner location across the street from the entrance to Fort Greene…
Apparently someone blew the whistle on the owners of 213 Cumberland Street in Fort Greene for altering the fence around their brownstone. (The inset photo shows how the fence looked last year before the alterations.) The violation was particularly noticeable because of the property’s corner location across the street from the entrance to Fort Greene Park. (According to LPC, the owners also put in some new windows without getting them approved first.) As a result, they’re going in front of LPC today to try to get retroactive approval. Frankly, we think this fence looks a little silly and is too prominent to let slide. We bet Olde Good Things has some old iron fencing in its warehouse that would look a lot better. Update: We just heard from LPC that the hearing on 213 Cumberland ended up getting laid over until next week.
Agenda 2/26/08 [Landmarks Preservation Commission] GMAP
Photo by Scott Bintner for PropertyShark
I generally hate it when Brownstoner persecutes private homes and private people on this site. But this fence is just asking for it. The busiest, most noticeable part of Ft Greene. Who did these people think they were kidding, not submitting to LPC?
the before fence was a non-verbal banner that said loud and clear “WELCOME TO THE GHETTO USA” the after picture is still very tacky but at least not as blaring. The LPC will never approve it. The owners need to bite the bullet, or the spear, and do the right thing.
Olde Good Things (did some research) are part of a christian cult called COBU(Church of Bible Understanding). They have 80 members. (Many of whom work at OGT)
Here’s the wiki link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Bible_Understanding
Heres’ the relevant part:
COBU owns and operates an antique business called Olde Good Things, recently profiled in the New York Times[7], with no reference to its associations with the group. Olde Good Things and its connection to COBU was featured in an article in The New Yorker of July 30, 2007 pp.29-30. Through Olde Good Things COBU has outposts in California and likely in a number of other states as well. COBU also runs a mission in Haiti. According to an article originally appearing in the Manassas Journal Messenger, COBU receives government funds for its Haiti Mission as part of President Bush’s Faith Based Initiative[8].
The What, while it’s difficult formulating a response to your eloquent self-proclaimed rants, it’s hard to resist at the same time.
Yes, the LPC adds costs and delays in renovating/improving homes, but they also help maintain the integrity of neighborhoods overall. While I’m not their biggest supporter, despite your seeming misconception, I do see them as important in preservation. I think you’re a tad paranoid (and ignorant) if you truly think their mission is solely to f*ck people over.
As for the sharp objects, feel free to ignore my earlier advice to you.
Asshat “nummber” one
aka
Biff Champion
That’s such an awesome story, the What. Made my day.
Yeah, what’s up with old goode things creepy womenfolk?
And who cares what all of you think is “better” — the previous paint was half-missing and primed, not painted. It had to be fixed but fixed properly not cheaply.
I’m so tired of hearing people claim that you can do whatever you want if it’s your property. BS. It’s a landmarked area. Not many out there. Dont like it, move.
Next time you’re on some trip to romantic Paris or Florence or some little fishing village in Spain, keep in my that you’re a total hypocrite. The reason those places are so beautiful and appealing is because they’ve been painstakingly preserved and protected.
Americans have this weird sense of absolute entitlement — if I own it, I can paint it vomit colors. Maybe in some places, but where we have unique architecture, this stuff is a public LEGACY. You didn’t build this building, it was preserved for your fat ass to be able to live in and show off about. But this legacy belongs to ALL OF US. You want to be tasteless, do it in your house. Don’t do it in everyone’s face.
And this is regardless of what I personally think about this fence. I could think it’s lovely, doesn’t matter. It’s not up to me or the owner. Thank god.
“The What, did you wake up on the wrong side of the broomstick today? It’ll be okay. Relax, take a deep breath and slowly move away from any sharp objects and windows on high floors…”
Ok! Asshat nummber one. The LPC adds cost to a improvement or renovation of your house. You have to hire a architect to do improvements to your own house???!!! Get the fuck out of there. The LPC is there to fuck people over. Example: 70 Lefferts Pl. The developer brought that property to build condos. They was going to tear down the house and build. The block isn’t landmarked and some fuckhead calls the LPC. What the LPC do??!! They landmarked the fucking house!!!!!! 2.4 Million dollars down the fucking drain and blight for years to come. Why??!!! Because people can’t mind their own fucking business!!! so fuck LPC and Fuck you!!!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end….
“If they weren’t around, there would be no brownstone brooklyn, there would be no Brownstoner to pontificate on, and there would be far less property value.”
You’re exaggerating. LPC can share some of the credit but not all.
I personally think “z” is correct.
I can’t believe this homeowner is being ostricized here on this blog today for trying to improve their property.
So they need to go through a few more steps. Is this Aushwitz?
Now everyone can walk by Ft. Greene Park and throw spitballs at these HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE PEOPLE!
HOW DARE THEY TRY TO IMPROVE THEIR HOME!