Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Districts Flatbush topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hearing features broad support for Beverly Square West and Ditmas Park West historic-district designations
Summary
Landmarks Preservation Commission staff presented proposed Beverly Square West and Ditmas Park West historic districts, emphasizing cohesive early-20th-century architecture and LPC nalysis of boundaries; multiple preservation groups and neighborhood residents testified in favor while a small number of speakers raised opposition and concerns about boundaries and development.
The subcommittee heard a joint presentation from Landmarks Preservation Commission staff on two pre-considered historic-district designations in Flatbush. Tim Frey, LPC staff, said Beverly Square West and Ditmas Park West were designated by LPC on Nov. 25, 2025 after extensive survey and public hearings and characterized the districts by their Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and shingle-style houses built primarily between the 1890s and 1910.
Tim Frey noted the boundaries were chosen after "over 20 years of survey of the broader area," and that the districts preserve contiguous streetscapes and intact architectural character. He told the committee that accessory dwelling units remain permitted on properties in both districts and that LPC is advancing guidance to streamline approvals for conversions and ADUs.
A long panel of supporters spoke during public testimony. Frampton Tolbert of the Historic Districts Council said designation is sound economic policy and cited studies showing historic districts generate significant investment and jobs. Neighbors and neighborhood associations described strong homeowner support and stressed that many properties are multi-family homes that contribute to affordable, multigenerational living arrangements in the area. "Preservation is not the enemy of progress," one witness said.
A smaller set of speakers opposed or questioned the applications, raising concerns about boundary size and possible effects on development. One speaker, Christopher Leon Johnson, urged the council to reject the proposal and leveled criticisms of local elected officials and nonprofit influence; his remarks contained charged language and were framed as opposition to the current form of the application.
What—omes next: the public hearing closed with the items laid over for further committee consideration. LPC and residents said they will continue to discuss potential boundary expansion and future designations.
