Midwood Homeowners Pushing Historic Designation Win Support Of Local Pols

The homeowners living in the Victorian Flatbush section of Brooklyn who now seek to have their area designated as a historic district to preserve the large, beautiful 100-year-old homes has a new ally on their side: Councilman Jumaane Williams.

Williams sent out a press release this morning announcing that he joined advocates and community leaders on Sunday in calling for the Landmarks Preservation Commission to accelerate the process of landmarking Victorian Flatbush.

The release said:

“Victorian Flatbush is one of the most unique residential areas in Brooklyn, a borough that has a rich and varied architectural history,” said Council Member Williams. “However, many people are unaware of these beautiful homes right in the center of south Brooklyn, as they often associate Brooklyn architecture as either brownstones or warehouse lofts. Due to the fact that these neighborhoods are not protected as landmarks, many of these homeowners have made alterations to these residences that often times do not resemble the original architectural designs or style, and thus are unintentionally altering history. Additionally, landmarking these neighborhoods will have a positive impact on civic pride that cannot be measured. As such, I strongly encourage the LPC designate the entirety of Victorian Flatbush as historic landmark districts in order to preserve these immaculate homes and communities for generations to come.”

The statement goes on to point out that the landmarking process began more than 35 years ago, when several sections of Victorian Flatbush won historic designation. Along with the Flatbush Development Corporation, Williams and neighbors are looking to see Beverley Square East, Beverley Square West, Caton Park, Ditmas Park West, South Midwood and West Midwood join the already-designated sections to create a complete Victoriam Flatbush historic zone.

In March, the advocates sent a 437-page application to Landmarks, and the LPC has announced a survey team will be dispatched this summer to assess the homes in the area.

Borough President Marty Markowitz and Assemblymember Rhoda Jacobs are also both behind the plan.

“More than 100 years ago, New Yorkers looking to escape the ‘outer borough’ of Manhattan began building a beautiful suburban community in the heart of Brooklyn. And to this day, every time visitors come to Victorian Flatbush, they ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ because they can’t believe such an architectural gem exists in the heart of America’s biggest, most cosmopolitan city,” Markowitz said. “There’s no question that we must do everything in our power to ensure generations to come can appreciate these beautiful homes and communities.”