Victorian Flatbush's Own Preservationist Watchdog
A new site exalting the architectural heritage of Victorian Flatbush has stormed the scene, going live over the weekend. In addition to historical features like “When Flatbush Was Greenwich”, the site also focuses on matters of preservationist urgency, like what’s happening in Beverly Square West, which does not benefit from Landmark protection. We’re going to…
A new site exalting the architectural heritage of Victorian Flatbush has stormed the scene, going live over the weekend. In addition to historical features like “When Flatbush Was Greenwich”, the site also focuses on matters of preservationist urgency, like what’s happening in Beverly Square West, which does not benefit from Landmark protection. We’re going to be keeping a close eye on the “Hall of Shame” section which shines a light on out-of-contect development and historically-insensitive renovations.
When Flatbush Was Greenwich [Victorian Flatbush]
Anonymous at 11:52 – I was at the BSW meeting last night and we are making good headway with the zoning application. I will be needing signatures for the BSW landmarking application as well. I am under the impression that we need over 50% of homeowners to support the application for landmarking. Do you know if this is the correct figure? What’s your email? Anyone in BSW who supports the landmarking issue please email me: ebasics@att.net. Also, do you find that those in favor of zoning changes are also in favor of landmarking, or have you met wiht some anxiety?
I live in Ditmas Park West. The Ditmas Park West Association is currently seeking landmark status…which will take years and is iffy. We are also currently seeking to change the blocks between Cortelyou and Dorchester from R6 to R32. I have been gathering signatures for the petition. My neighbors are all for the zoning change. I anyone out there from DPW wants to sign the peition…leave your email and I’ll get back to you. Beverly Square West is also seeking a zoning change.
That’s exactly what we hope this workshop will do – inform and educate, and also provide the nuts and bolts have how to go about sensitively renovating historic homes. Kensington has suffered many indignities. It’s a crime.
I will post on Brownstoner when I get it all together, speakers, materials, etc… Like I said, early spring.
I am about 5 blocks from a few of the houses depicted in the hall of shame section of the site and have often thought that the original architects are rolling over in their grave at the changes to those homes. The same thing is happening to the cute, albeit less grand, wood frame houses in my neighborhood. I’m not against making changes to your home, but do wish that people would do it in a contextual way. What I don’t think people know is that their house is more likely to be valued higher if it is part of overall charm of the neighborhood, which comes from a certain amount of homogeneousness. Buyers often will pay a premium for a beautifully restored house. Time will tell if the styrofoam covered elephants fare as well. Your proposed forum could help spread the word- I’d love to attend.
Since people seem interested, I thought I would let everyone know that I am also hoping to host a workshop which would inform residents of Victorian Flatbush about preservation and construction issues, finding contractors who are experienced with and sympathetic toward wood frame homes, etc… Aiming for early Spring. Also maybe a support group for those coping with maintaining/preserving older homes.
PK – if you have pictures, I’d love to have a look.
Also, anyone interested in getting involved with the campaign to preserve Victorian Flatbush, please contact me ebasics@att.net
Would love to hear from anyone who has gone through or is currently going through the landmarks process.
I am the guilty party: ebasics@att.net
Good stuff indeed. I remember somebody posting about this site a few weeks back. We’re in the ongoing, never-ending process of restoring our place in Victorian Flatbush as well (restored front porch, restored ext. trim, the list grows daily, etc…). I too would love contact info.
Nice site. I recently bought a three family in Ditmas Park West and am interested learning more about preservation and plans in light of the lack of landmark designation. Does anyone see on the site an email address or contact for the website author?
Wow! What a site, and not only for those of us in Victorian Flatbush, but for anybody interested in Brooklyn history and how to preserve that history. It’s as sad to see these freestanding houses destroyed as brownstones in other beautiful areas of Brooklyn.