Unprotected Sunset Park Being Destroyed Bit by Bit
The website Cititour has an advocacy post about the destruction of brownstones in Sunset Park. The item focuses on the house above, on 54th Street and 6th Avenue, part of “a row of turn-of-the-century brownstones with stained glass windows and fireplaces [that] are being destroyed bit by bit.” The blog writer argues: Witnessing this destruction…
The website Cititour has an advocacy post about the destruction of brownstones in Sunset Park. The item focuses on the house above, on 54th Street and 6th Avenue, part of “a row of turn-of-the-century brownstones with stained glass windows and fireplaces [that] are being destroyed bit by bit.” The blog writer argues:
Witnessing this destruction should make the case for giving the area landmark status before it’s too late. The neighborhood has been seeing an all-out assault on row houses in recent months as real estate prices remain fairly high. Some are being torn down to make room for condos, others are having additional floors added, and still other two-family homes are being converted into 4-families, again with the city’s blessing, and a total disregard to the neighborhood. It’s a crying shame.
While we don’t doubt that new construction in Sunset Park is felling older buildings, we’re unaware of whether there is an organized movement afoot to landmark the area. Can Sunset Park readers fill us in?
A Brownstone Dies In Brooklyn [Cititour]
Photos from Cititour.
“In the end, homeowners are really tenants renting from the city (paying property taxes for the right to significantly influence the condition and occupancy of a dwelling).”
This is probably the DUMBEST comment I’ve ever read on Brownstoner, which is really saying something. Property taxes are paid to fund services, NOT to “influence the condition” of a property. Owners do NOT “rent” from the city. We OWN our properties and are free to develop, rent, or alter them AS WE PLEASE as long as WE abide by applicable laws. OK?
“In the end, homeowners are really tenants renting from the city (paying property taxes for the right to significantly influence the condition and occupancy of a dwelling).”
This is probably the DUMBEST comment I’ve ever read on Brownstoner, which is really saying something. Property taxes are paid to fund services, NOT to “influence the condition” of a property. Owners do NOT “rent” from the city. We OWN our properties and are free to develop, rent, or alter them AS WE PLEASE as long as WE abide by applicable laws. OK?
“In the end, homeowners are really tenants renting from the city (paying property taxes for the right to significantly influence the condition and occupancy of a dwelling).”
This is probably the DUMBEST comment I’ve ever read on Brownstoner, which is really saying something. Property taxes are paid to fund services, NOT to “influence the condition” of a property. Owners do NOT “rent” from the city. We OWN our properties and are free to develop, rent, or alter them AS WE PLEASE as long as WE abide by applicable laws. OK?
“Again, context please, 1:38. You have none.”
What context do I need? It was a nice looking brownstone from the outside (obviously, I don’t know what the interior condition was like). It’s been destroyed and will almost definitely be replaced by some shit box that takes full advantage of the the zoning allowed. Get off your ass and take a look around the area and you’ll get some context… dick!!!
Let’s be serious. Do we actually expect Mayor Moneybags and the Landmarks Commission to give a rat’s ass about a neighborhood outside of Manhattan? Not enough superrich people here.
Puhlease!! If this pit had been the HOTD before it was touched everyone would be saying it was a short, narrow wannabe brownstone in a dangerous peripheral neighborhood next to noisy business where crackheads hang out all day.
Again, context please, 1:38. You have none.
I live a few blocks from this house and was blown away when I saw it with my own eyes this past Monday. It’s worse in person, regardless of the ridiculous looking laundromat next door. Many parts of 6th Ave in SP are absolutely beautiful, but they won’t be for long.
As much as I agree that homeowners should have rights, this is a shame. It will surely make this area look worse, not better.
It was the destruction of Penn station and the construction of Madison Square Garden that started this whole preservation movement years ago. I can’t beleive that one would argue that this type of destruction of the old is good for the city – whether its a major location in Manhattan or a small house in Sunset Park.
“Don’t homeowners have rights?”
Sure they do, but only to a point. In the end, homeowners are really tenants renting from the city (paying property taxes for the right to significantly influence the condition and occupancy of a dwelling).
Effectively, we all live in one big co-op with different rules for different districts. Preserving a historic district keeps New York City great. The above phenomenon is outrageous and should be stopped.