House of the Day: 1252 Dean Street

In regards to Crow Hill, there is an active move to get the area landmarked. It is certainly worthy, fine residential blocks with intact facades, some really good apartment buildings, homes and churches, as well as some important commercial and civic buildings, including the Studebaker Building, which is already an individual landmark, the factory complex on Franklin and Bergen, and the main Jewish Hospital building. Last week, a meeting was held through Community Board 8, with representatives from Landmarks, the Historic Districts Council, and other preservation concerns to introduce themselves to the community, and to have a Q&A on the topic. Landmarking is a long process, and must involve the community board, local politicians, as well as a consensus of approval from the community, both homeowners and business people. I wish Crow Hill well, and support their efforts.

In regards to the borders of neighborhoods, chny, I agree, for years local people referred to much of Crown Heights North as being part of Bed Stuy. Weekesville, which is technically in Crown Heights, has always been claimed by Bed Stuy. I think this is greatly due to the fact that the neighborhoods are very similar in income levels and demographics. We share the same transportation hubs, shopping areas, problems, and the city’s responses to those problems. We have a much different ethnic makeup than Crown Heights South, and the wide border of Eastern Parkway is an excellent boundary. Atlantic Avenue is a boundary, however, and makes a good border for the north end of Crown Heights.

If you look at both neighborhoods from a planning standpoint, the streetscapes and layouts and zoning of Bed Stuy and Crown Heights North are very different, and these borders do make sense. Crown Heights, as a name for the very large area it encompasses, is an old name, and is certainly not recent real estate speak.

Who cares whether or not Crown Hieghts “gentrifies” or is “up and coming” or “is getting hit?” I mean, who cares? CH homeowners of my type love their historic homes and lifestyle and are confident values will continue to remain strong. Don’t agree? Fine. Don’t buy here. Regardless, my neighbors and I aren’t waiting for some magical “you’re in Park Sople category” moment. What’s the big deal?

Bxgrl:

What do you know about Crow Hill’s designation? Is this something that the neighborhood association is pursuing or is this coming from the community board?

the gentrification of crown heights is sweeping eastward very fast. and since crown heights is so large geographically, i wonder why Crow Hill hasn’t been marketed as its own neighborhood.

Oh yeah–Buckfast has long been outed as a What-abe. Same dude for shizzle.