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FAQs

What Does it Mean To Be Part of  an Historic District? Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should the Park Slope Historic District be expanded?

Park Slope is famous for its beautiful late 19th- and early 20th-century streetscapes. But the original Historic District, designated in July 1973, covers less than one in four buildings in Park Slope. We have already seen many poorly designed and out-of-character buildings go up in once-vacant lots around our community, and there is nothing in the current zoning law to prevent developers from tearing down or drastically altering existing buildings. Landmark designation will preserve Park Slope for future generations as a unique urban neighborhood that can grow and change in an orderly way without sacrificing any of its character. Additionally, an expanded Park Slope Historic District will help maintain a locally-based economy and promote sustainability (see below).

What could happen if we do not add to the existing Park Slope Historic District?

We can see what happens as we watch buildings torn down, lots assembled in preparation for larger buildings, and new buildings constructed lacking the character that gives Park Slope its unique sense of place. These changes are especially evident in our commercial property. In other instances, property owners are making additions to their property that significantly alter the character of their blocks. Without the protections afforded by Historic District designation, we can expect these changes to continue, further eroding Park Slope’s unique character.

Park Slope was downzoned in 2003. Doesn't this already protect us against inappropriate development?

Downzoning was an important first step toward ensuring that buildings will be scaled to the context of the existing neighborhood. Zoning, however, has no bearing on a building’s appearance. Further, the 2003 downzoning permits new buildings (and building additions) on 5th and 7th Avenues to rise to 70 feet, compared to just 50 foot on side streets. This change has already promoted new development on 5th Avenue, where chain stores have replaced locally-owned businesses. Finally, zoning laws can be overridden by determined politicians (as has been seen in the Atlantic Yards project) and are always open to change and interpretation. Only landmark designation will ensure that any new development takes advantage of materials and design appropriate to the character of the neighborhood.

How does a Historic District help preserve a locally-based economy?

The narrow 20-25 foot-wide storefronts in Park Slope's historic commercial buildings are uninviting to national chain stores, which prefer wider, big-box interiors like the new building on 7th Avenue and 6th Street, which houses a Rite Aid and a Barnes and Noble. Preserving our older, historic commercial structures directly supports a locally-based, diversified, “mom-and-pop” economy. That economy, in turn, supports the neighborhood because a much greater percentage of the dollars spent in such stores remains local rather than being shipped off to corporate headquarters. Further, local entrepreneurs are much more likely to support local causes. Historic designation, in protecting and preserving the character of buildings, also protects the special character of our community.

How does historic preservation promote sustainability?

Historic preservation is one of the most effective components of sustainable development. The adaptive reuse of older structures is beneficial to local economies and local environments in a variety of ways, from the employment of local workers and craftspeople who rehabilitate existing properties, to the significant reduction of waste compared to that generated when buildings are demolished. Even the simple use of newer, mass-produced building materials can be wasteful; nearly a third of the windows replaced each year are less than 10 years old and the energy consumed in manufacturing them ranges from 40 times (vinyl) to 126 times (aluminum) than that used for wood. Once they are scrapped, the landfill space taken up by the old windows, to say nothing of the energy consumed in getting them there, compounds the waste.

How did landmarking come into being?

Why was the Landmarks Law enacted?

It law was passed in response to the 1963 demolition of the old Pennsylvania Station, which had been considered one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings in the United States. The outrage over its loss increased public awareness that the city's architectural and historical heritage could be irretrievably lost. It led to the passage of the nation's first landmarks preservation legislation. Its success is reflected in the fact that it has been widely copied by communities throughout the United States.

What is a Historic District?

A historic district is an area of the city designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) that represents a style of architecture typical of one or more periods in the city's history; as a result, the district has a distinct "sense of place." Park Slope, Fort Greene, Greenwich Village, Mott Haven, and SoHo are examples of historic districts within New York City. It is in part due to this sense of place that Park Slope has consistently been deemed one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the country.

Who exactly IS the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission?

The Commission is made up of 11 people, appointed by the mayor, who meet on Tuesdays to review permits for major alterations to buildings. The Commission is one part of the larger LPC, a municipal agency with about 65 full-time staff members. These staff members work daily to approve permits for small-scale alterations to designated buildings and to review applications by civic organizations for the designation of new districts, such as the one being proposed for Park Slope.

How did Park Slope get its original landmark designation?

The current Park Slope Historic District was approved in July 1973 after years of dedicated effort by community activists involved with the Park Slope Civic Council. They saw andmarking as a way to change perceptions of Park Slope, which was then suffering from decline and disinvestment. These enlightened individuals organized research into the history of buildings within the community, thus documenting the rationale for designation. The LPC subsequently used this research in its designation report. Ironically, the resurgence and revitalization of New York City’s urban neighborhoods has led to development pressures that now threaten the integrity of blocks within Park Slope that were left out of the original historic district. To maintain the cohesive character of the entire neighborhood, the Park Slope Civic Council is working to finish the job begun by these earlier community leaders.

What is involved in being part of a historic district?

If my neighborhood or building is designated, will I be required to restore my property?

No. The LPC does not require you to restore or return a building to its original condition. Since the LPC typically regulates only proposed exterior changes to a building, it will not regulate interior changes unless they have an impact on its exterior appearance. For example, if the stoop was removed and a ground-level entrance installed years prior to designation, the LPC cannot make you replace the stoop. The LPC will also allow you to conduct most regular maintenance on your windows and doors without a permit. However, if you choose to replace them entirely, you will need to apply for a permit, in which case the LPC will require a style appropriate to the historic character of the building.

Does the LPC require me to use designated contractors to work on my property?

No. The LPC does not require you to hire an architect or to use specific contractors when undertaking work on your building. These decisions are entirely yours to make. However, if exterior work is involved, you may find it helpful to choose a contractor experienced with LPC requirements.

Will I be restricted in the kind of changes I can make?

Yes. New York City historic district designation does place restrictions on changes that can be made to historic properties, but only those related to the exterior of the building. If you want to make alterations to the outside of your building, you must obtain the LPC’s approval before you start work. For restorative work, the LPC issues a Permit for Minor Work within 20 business days. Certificate of No Effect within a week. Ordinary repairs and maintenance (see below) do not require its approval.

Are there any types of work that do not require the LPC's approval?

Yes. Most interior repairs and renovations, as well as ordinary exterior repairs and maintenance, such as replacing broken window glass, removing graffiti, or painting doors and windows in the same color do not require the Commission's approval.

What procedures do I follow to make changes to my landmarked property?

To make changes, depending upon the scope, you may have to apply for a permit from the LPC, which will review your plans and perhaps suggest appropriate alterations when issuing a permit. Most contractors and architects will apply for the permit on your behalf. When you apply, your application is assigned to a staff member who will guide you through the permit process. 95% of permits are reviewed and issued by an LPC staff member within a short period. Only when applying for major alterations will the Commissioners review the application at a public hearing.

Will landmark designation prevent all alterations and new construction?

No. Landmark designation does not "freeze" a building or an area for all time. Alterations, demolition, and new construction continue to take place, but the Landmarks Commission must review the proposed changes and find them to be appropriate. This procedure ensures that the special qualities of the designated buildings or districts are not compromised or destroyed. Look at some of the new buildings that have gone up within the historic district, like the addition to the Poly Prep Lower School on 1st Street.

When do I need to get a permit for work on my building?

You will only need to get a permit for work on your property that affects its exterior appearance. For interior work that requires a permit from the Department of Buildings, you will also need to get a permit from the LPC so they may determine whether the interior work has any effect on the exterior.

Is funding available for work on my home?

Yes, in some limited circumstances. A grant my be possible from the Landmark Preservation Commission's Historic Preservation Grant Program for homeowners and nonprofits to restore severely deteriorated facades. The grants generally range from $5,000 to $20,000 and pay for exterior repairs, primarily on the street facade. For residential buildings, the owner or tenants must meet certain federal income limits to qualify for a grant. Inclusion in a historic district also makes a homeowner eligible to participate in the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program. It allows an owner to donate a historic preservation easement on the exterior of the property to a qualified charitable or governmental organization and then to claim a tax deduction in the amount of the easement's value. An owner should check with a tax accountant and follow all rules and regulations before taking advantage of this provision of the tax code.

If I am in a historic district, do I need to inform or get the Landmark Preservation Commission's permission to sell my property?

No. The designation of a property places no restrictions on an owner's right to sell the property.

Is there any extra fee or tax associated with the sale of a home in a historic district?

No. There is no extra fee or tax involved with the sale of a home in a historic district.

Does landmark designation raise my taxes?

No. Landmarked buildings are classified and taxed in exactly the same way as non-landmarked buildings.

Does landmark designation lower my property value?

No. On the contrary, it may raise it. Inclusion in a historic district ensures that the buildings around yours will not be demolished or modified in ways that are unsympathetic to the character of neighborhood. A 2003 study by the New York City Independent Budget Office concluded: "Although prices for historic properties have at times increased less rapidly than for similar properties outside historic districts, overall price appreciation from 1975 through 2002 was greater for houses inside historical districts."

If a family member is disabled, can I make changes to my property to accommodate his/her needs?

Yes. The Commission routinely reviews and approves lifts, railings, and ramps to provide handicap accessibility.