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LPC approves series of Brooklyn rear‑yard additions, area‑way changes and window work; materials to be refined with staff
Summary
The commission approved multiple modest Brooklyn projects on Dec. 17 — including rear‑yard additions and area‑way lowerings at 281 Adelphi, 50 Garden Place and 183 Dean Street and a rear addition and window replacement at 395 Claremont — with conditions that applicants coordinate materials and final details with LPC staff.
At its Dec. 17 hearing the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a set of primarily Brooklyn applications involving rear‑yard additions, area‑way modifications and window work across Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Boerum Hill and Brooklyn Heights. The projects were presented as routine but required commission review because of visibility, material choices, or departures from staff‑level thresholds.
Key approvals included a modest rear‑yard extension at 281 Adelphi Street presented by Oso Architecture; lowering the front area‑way and modifying a rear‑addition spandrel at 50 Garden Place in Brooklyn Heights (staff had previously permitted similar cases but the applicant sought a narrower spandrel); a two‑story rear‑yard addition and aluminum‑clad window replacement at 395 Claremont Avenue (the applicant offered to accept either 1‑over‑1 or 2‑over‑2 sash based on staff guidance); and a 16‑foot rear extension and lowered area way at 183 Dean Street that fits within the block’s established pattern of deep rear extensions.
Commissioners and local preservation groups generally found these proposals appropriate with two consistent caveats: (1) material choices (especially visible stucco vs brick and paint color) should be refined in coordination with LPC staff and community input; and (2) replacement windows on front facades should match historic profiles where sufficient documentation exists. Several applications received community board recommendations and the commission recorded unanimous or strongly favorable votes where noted.
Applicants were directed to work closely with staff on final material samples, brick/terracotta color matches and shop drawings before permits are issued.
