Illegal Paint Job on Landmarked Block of Clinton Hill
We just got a tip that someone just started painting one of the brownstones on Grand Avenue between Gates and Putnam white this morning. (Yes, a certain blogger does live on this block.) Something tells us the Landmarks Preservation Commission didn’t sign off on this. If any readers are nearby, we’d appreciate a photo asap….
We just got a tip that someone just started painting one of the brownstones on Grand Avenue between Gates and Putnam white this morning. (Yes, a certain blogger does live on this block.) Something tells us the Landmarks Preservation Commission didn’t sign off on this. If any readers are nearby, we’d appreciate a photo asap. If anyone from LPC is reading, please get on the stick! Update 7/27: Here’s the photo from about 11:20 this morning. The address is 373 Grand Avenue. LPC confirms that there are no permits out on this.
Update 7/29: As the Daily News article reports, it turns out that—luckily—the owner was only repainting the area around the door. While we understand that some people feel it was an overreaction on our part to post about this before all the facts were known, here’s why we think it was warranted: First of all, had the painters been intending to paint the entire facade, every second counted when we got the tip (we were in fact in Dumbo, and not just across the street, when the tip came in, so popping over for a friendly chat was not an option); secondly, we were on the phone with LPC within five minutes of getting the tip, and LPC told us that (1) the owner had no permit for the painting and (2) that he had racked up, and failed to cure, several other landmark violations over the years. All these factors led us to conclude that, on balance, it was not worth taking the risk that something really destructive might happen. You know, better safe than sorry. With 20/20 hindsight, this was clearly the wrong call. Apologies to the owner—our obsession with historic brownstones may have gotten the better of us on this one.
Bottom photo by Rosier for the Daily News
Just wondering how many of the rabid, “we should all be free to paint our brownstones white!” commenters actually own a brownstone or an apartment in one. I would guess that not many of you actually do or you would have more respect for these structures. If you want to be able to paint your house any color under the sun, move to the suburbs where you belong!
ps; in defense of Mr. B., who is taking a beating in this thread, my wealthy aunt recently gilded the ceiling of her powder room… it’s nuts.
the landmarks commission relies on neighbors to tell them if violations are occuring in their neighborhoods. preservation is a grassroots movement, it is not something that is imposed from the top down. i do not think that rich Manhattan moguls or Albany pols give a rat’s ass about preservation in the old neighborhoods of Brooklyn. it is the folks in the neibs who press for landmarks protection and who then have to be vigilant that the law is followed.
I for one go through the permit process, which can be rigorous, when I see someone else doing as they please, it steams my beans, you’r ecrazy if you don’t think I’m going t o pick up the phone and report theor ass to the Commission. with pleasure. the nerve of some people thinking they are above the law or that they can ruin fine historic buildings which are part of our collective heritage,
there. that is the preservationist’s
point of view.
Stoner,
Gilded rooms? 24k gold? Don’t you kmow any people with money? Your comments are so prejudiced.
Oh, my goodness! I just walked by and the the entire house is 1/2 white. Call 911, 311, Help Me Howard, Shame on You, LPC, Extreme Home Makeover, Mayor Bloomberg…Hell, call OPRAH!
Patrice Mersault…I agree with you 100%. The problem with your BROWNstone thinking is “why not paint the BLACKtop green!” Oh wait…they did that!
Maria, LOL…call 911….”It’s an emergency! My neighbor is painting his house white!”
filthy rich people with no aesthetic sense.
Most filthy rich people do not live in Brooklyn and if they do, they really love it and the architecture.
The filthy rich people with no aesthetic sense wouldn’t touch Brooklyn. They need things to define themselves that this borough does not offer.
Funny, I think that the same group is getting blamed for being too preservation minded and for the painting- the scapegoat for everything.
Dear Whatever,
I guess that other’s opinions do not fit into your narrow view of whateverfloatsurboat.
You didn’t actually answer the question about the types of alterations that would be a problem for you.
I’m always concerned about people who resort to name calling instead of supporting their opinions.
I guess “free” could also mean that my neighbor does not have the right to let their life affect the quality of mine through misguided decisions that lower property values and destroy history. Guess it can go both ways.
I do see this as being harmful to the neighboring homes.
Curious about “like everything else”. You seem to have pretty strong opinions. I like that when it’s delivered thoughfully and respectfully- even when I don’t agree. I’m always open.
Who you see as the person/people to blame for this attack on freedom?
maybe it’s being prepped to be lined with 24 Karat gold leaf!!!!
then you all will LOOOOVE it.