LANDMARKING IS THE HOT TOPIC AT THE KEW GARDENS CIVIC ASSOCIATION’S 94TH ANNUAL MEETING
 To view a slideshow of the Kew Gardens Civic Association 2008 Annual Meeting, click here. |
THE FEATURED TOPIC at the 94th Annual Meeting of the Kew Gardens Civic Association held May 6, 2008 at the Kew Gardens Community Center was the benefits and rewards -- and some of the problems -- of landmark designation for historic neighborhoods that want to preserve their character. The guest speaker was Diane Jackier, Director of External Affairs for the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the city agency charged with designating and preserving New York City’s landmarks and historic districts.
The Kew Gardens Civic Association, the Kew Gardens Improvement Association and many community residents have been striving to halt inappropriate changes to the neighborhood. They have asked landmarking officials to evaluate the more historic areas of the neighborhood to determine whether they warrant being placed under landmark protection. Those areas extend roughly from Union Turnpike to Lefferts Boulevard and from Kew Gardens Road to south of Metropolitan Avenue, with a few sites just east of Lefferts Boulevard. By inviting Ms. Jackier to speak, community leaders wanted to clarify what landmarking would mean to the Kew Gardens neighborhood. The required application for historic district evaluation was filed in 2006, subsequent to a brief walking tour of Kew Gardens by Landmarks Preservation Commissioner Robert Tierney, accompanied by Councilwoman Melinda Katz and Historian Barry Lewis. It was the first step in initiating the landmarking process.
The topic drew a packed room because of concerns on both sides; many members of the Orthodox community attended. The lament of many long-time residents is that in recent years newcomers often make changes to houses they’ve purchased in ways that often destroy the cherished traditions of the community and the very nature and sense of place that attracted them to the neighborhood in the first place.
Orthodox members of the community, on the other hand, appeared to be opposed to landmarking, feeling that designation as a historic district would limit their right to expand their houses as they wish, within the constraints of the Zoning Resolution. They also expressed concern that landmarking might reduce the resale value of their homes to future buyers because of potential restrictions.
Ms. Jackier explained in great detail what landmark designation means, its many benefits, and its restrictions. She also went through the various steps leading to designation. Once the Landmarks Commission receives a landmarking request, the material is reviewed and discussed by a review committee. Ultimately and after considerable study, if the committee feels designation has merit, public hearings are held and the Commission itself votes for or against designation. Their vote is followed by a vote of the City Council.
A question and answer session, often heated, followed Ms. Jackier’s presentation. Although her talk may not have changed many minds, at least it left the audience with many facts and figures to ponder.
Community Patrol Officer Jeff Fisher, the familiar face of the 102nd Precinct, pinch hit for Captain Charles McEvoy, the Precinct’s Commanding Officer. After answering a series of challenging questions, he told the audience that their quality-of-life concerns should be brought to his attention as well and that he would do his best to deal with whatever problems they had that fell within police jurisdiction.
The reception that preceded Ms. Jackier’s presentation was, in true Civic Association tradition, bountiful and a feast for eye and palate. The Hospitality Committee, led by Betty Francullo who was assisted by Dagmar Cermak, Zdenka Rosenberg, Rosanne Rosano and Renee Levine, prepared an assortment of cheeses, fruits, cakes and breads. Wine was served with Frederic Baum and Glenda Maurer serving as wine stewards. Bill Wisnewski was at the piano.
Renee Levine, Rosanne Rosano and Carol Berger greeted visitors at the door. Association President Dominick Pistone presided on the podium, accompanied by Executive Chairman Murray Berger. Ms. Levine, as Chair of the Nominating Committee, read the proposed slate of officers, which was unanimously approved. Vice President Bjorn Matz submitted the Audit Committee’s report and declared the Association’s books in order.
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