No place in the country has more wonderfully laid out and thought out communities than Queens. The fruit of Twentieth Century urban planning is found here.
Development and change are a natural part of urban existence. Our role is to educate the public so they can make informed choices on preserving our community's historic buildings and fabric.
There are persuasive arguments from those suggesting its best to tear down old buildings. Some claim historic structures have outlived their usefulness - that planned communities or historic buildings are not worth the time and effort to restore them. They say people simply like things that are new.
Other people state with equal vehemence that 'quick buck' builders are like a swarm of moths attacking the very fabric and design of our communities. They reserve special ire for, what they term, 'the greedy' whom sell out with no care about the uncertain fate of former neighbors. They charge that for the profit of the few, the public is stuck with a growing tax bill from overburdened communities and services. They claim both 'McMansions' and the stripped Victorian hulks of Old Astoria Village as visual nightmares. They claim there are dangerous illegal conversions in every historic neighborhood. They see ugly brutal barracks sprawled over the footprint of a former architectural or historic gem.
In encouraging all to state their arguments, public education creates an informed citizenry. If you live on a historic block, remember:
• If you delay and do nothing, don't be surprised when the dumpsters show up: you find its often too late to influence events around you.
• Power comes in numbers, and many find forming a civic group (there are hundreds in Queens alone!), can create an advocacy voice for their community.
• Interested in preserving your historic block? Talk to those who are looking at Landmark Designation and zoning changes.
For further information, contact your community boards, your local elected officials, or us.
