Landmarking Prospect Heights

Hooray!!

Am I really the only one who doesn't want this? Maybe I'm the only one facing a renovation project that will now have added delays, fees, and hoop-jumping.

tajmb wrote: Am I really the only one who doesn't want this? Maybe I'm the only one facing a renovation project that will now have added delays, fees, and hoop-jumping.

You seem to be in a minority, that's for sure.

If you're facing a big reno project, then the easiest thing to do is to file for permits before designation. It'll probably take a couple of years for the designation process to work its way through the system. Guidelines don't apply to projects permitted before the designation, even if they go into construction after designation.

BKChickie wrote: [quote=tajmb]Am I really the only one who doesn't want this? Maybe I'm the only one facing a renovation project that will now have added delays, fees, and hoop-jumping.

You seem to be in a minority, that's for sure.

If you're facing a big reno project, then the easiest thing to do is to file for permits before designation. It'll probably take a couple of years for the designation process to work its way through the system. Guidelines don't apply to projects permitted before the designation, even if they go into construction after designation.

There were a lot of people both for and against at the community meeting about it. All the press I see claim everyone is for it, but there were many, many people against. Since nobody was taking a poll, I think it is inaccurate to claim it was so one-sided.

As for filing before it gets final approval, it is too late. As I read it as soon as it it calendared you have to go through the LPC before you can get DOB approval on any permitted job. That includes any interior work. They have to check it and say that it is an interior job and charge a fee and it takes at least 1 month.

I'm against it. Add one more.

sterling2000 wrote: Districting should only effect interior renovations, too. Very few interiors are subject to landmarking regulations...

Unless it's of historical and artistic significance, such as the interior of Grand Central Station or the Williamsburg Savings Bank or other public space why would you impose that on a homeowner? Most of the wood mouldings are of standard design which you can get at Dyke's and the plaster detailing is so heavy in its own right that if you have a flood on the floor above it will sag and collapse.

sterling2000 wrote: Districting should only effect interior renovations, too. Very few interiors are subject to landmarking regulations...

I'm pretty sure that our landmarking will not effect ANY interiors.

I would like to add my voice to the many people who support landmarking of Prospect Heights. Our block association had strong, uniform support.

tajmb wrote: Landmarking will affect ALL interior renovations that require a permit. Any interior work that has to go through the DOB must first go to LPC. They charge a fee, require drawings/plans, and take at least a month. All of these affect a homeowner's ability to afford and accomplish work on their property.

I know many people do support the designation. It seems clear, however, that many have been misinformed or are choosing to misinform others about what this will mean for them. I also resent the implication many keep making that there is unanimous or overwhelming support.

At the community meeting, one of the saddest things I saw was the seniors who were asking how they were going to be able to get anything done. One poor woman couldn't even get the LPC folks to acknowledge her in the audience so she could ask a question until all those around her started to holler. She'd been raising her hand forever.

Maybe some of you are correct that it will not "effect" any interiors because the effect of the added expense and bureaucracy will be that many will not be able to do the work they would like. Hopefully that will not lead to the further decay of homes that are supposedly being protected from their owners.

This needs to be brought up on October 28th at the final Landmark Meeting. I suggest to anyone who opposes or questions landmarking to speak up along with the supporters.

Any interior work requires a Certificate of No Effect, which ensures that the interior work will not effect the exterior of the building. Applying for a CNE does not necessarily require plans by an architect - it all depends on the work being done.

If I want, I can still rip out my carved fireplace and elaborate moldings.


The LPC sites has a list of Frequently Asked Questions, here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/faqs/faqs.shtml

This is from LPC website:

Certificate of No Effect:
A Certificate of No Effect on Protected Architectural Features, or "CNE," is issued by the Landmarks Commission when the proposed work requires a Department of Buildings permit but does not affect the protected architectural features of a building. Examples of work for which a CNE is needed are interior renovations that require Department of Buildings permits, installation of plumbing and heating equipment, and other changes that the Landmarks Commission determines do not adversely affect significant features of the building.

The Landmarks Commission reviews such proposed work in order to make sure that it will not affect protected features or detract from the special character of a historic district. For instance, the vent of a kitchen exhaust fan might cut through a significant decorative feature of the facade or an interior partition might partially block a front window. If the Landmarks Commission finds that a proposed alteration would affect a building's significant protected features, the staff member may be able to help the applicant revise the proposal to achieve a satisfactory solution.