A historic brownstone in Brooklyn, built in 1883, faces demolition due to its deteriorated condition. Neighbors and the Landmarks Preservation Commission are fighting to save the property, seeking to transfer its administration to prevent its destruction.
A historic Brooklyn brownstone, built in the same year as the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, is facing demolition unless preservationists can save it. The property at 44 Berkeley Place in Park Slope , despite its deteriorated state, is valued in the millions due to its location in one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods. City building officials argue that the rat-infested, graffiti-covered structure poses a safety hazard and must be demolished immediately.
The cost of the demolition will fall on the owner, 77-year-old war veteran Yves Calvin, who has been absent from the property for an extended period. Concerned neighbors and members of the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission are rallying to save the building, launching legal action to prevent its demolition. They are seeking to have the property's administration transferred from Calvin to the city's public administrator, hoping this will buy time to find an investor willing to invest in its restoration. The Landmarks Preservation Commission recognizes the building's historical significance, stating that it is located within the Park Slope Historic District, an area considered one of Brooklyn's most architecturally distinguished. Records show that building inspectors have been visiting the property since 2001, when it became vacant, issuing numerous violations and imposing over $212,000 in penalties on Calvin over the years. The building has suffered significant deterioration, with a partially collapsed roof, rotting floor joists, and a detached third floor. Interior walls have collapsed, the staircase is unstable, and the facade shows signs of severe disrepair. Despite its condition, Calvin attempted to make repairs after his mother's death in 1993, including cleanup from a 2001 fire. However, he has not been seen at the property since the COVID-19 pandemic. Neighbors have taken matters into their own hands, installing a construction wall in 2022 to address loitering issues that plagued the area. The wall cost $3,000 and successfully resolved the problem. The fate of 44 Berkeley Place hangs in the balance, with the legal battle set to continue. The outcome will determine whether this historic landmark can be preserved or if it will succumb to demolition.
Historic Preservation Brooklyn Brownstone Demolition Landmarks Preservation Commission Park Slope Yves Calvin
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