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
Apology?
Mr. Brownstoner- I guess not knowing something is ok – but accusing someone pretending you do – its just not right – i hope this puts into perspective and scrutiny all the statements made by you on this blog – since obviously you don’t know much about the topics you claim you do…. this could certainly hurt people…. very irresponsible. Lesson to be learned by you Mr. B.
This reminds of that Park Slope article in the Times a few weeks ago with that busybody yuppie mom and her daughter. “Look at the jaywalking mommy!” All you focking nosy nellies should walk into BQE traffic.
so what color is that paint anyway?
Better now with the “Illegal” scratched out, thanks. I’ll continue to be a hard case and say that it did take a lame commenter like me to point it out before you changed it.
Humble up guys. Even Gothamist corrects stuff like that when they’re incorrect.
“…luckily – the owner was only repainting the area around the door” Yeah, lucky for you Mr. Owner for 30 years! If this wasn’t the case, me and my 30-something busybodies would’ve gotten out our torches, pitchforks, and LPC rules! Oh wait, scratch that last one…
God, this story is pissing me off to no end….
Yeah, where is it? Do you think you’re too good to apologize? You’re still in a strange way “blaming” Mr. 82… What’s up with that? Geez, your are really pissing me off w/your elitist attitude…snobbery…UGHH!!
Brownstoner – where’s your apology?
Boy, Mr. B…You still don’t get it, do you? According to I0bt, you read the LPC regs…This gentleman is 82 years old! Just a lil common courtesy to your neighbors…before “ringing the alarm.” Take the time to meet them, find out a lil about them…IMO(and others), you still went overboard before getting your facts straight.
Just admit that you were a bit overzealous…it’s okay, we’re all human… This is a lesson learned…try talking to your neighbor Mr. 82 and others on your block, you may learn a thing or too…He was probably one of the residents that fought for the landmarking status way before you were a “thought” in mother’s womb..
Even with a degree from Princeton and etc. you too, can be wrong.. 🙂