Several community groups and local elected officials are against this project. The\u00a0Community Board 2 (CB2) roundly rejected the proposal, their reasoning is outlined in their\u00a0July 2025 memo to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).<\/a>\u00a0The Brooklyn Heights Association also plans to testify against it. The Historical Districts Council\u00a0wrote in their statement submitted to the LPC,<\/p>\n \u201cThe HDC is strongly against the partial demolition and subsequent disfigurement of the houses to make way for a new structure. If approved, this precedent would suggest that every historic structure is only as meaningful as its facade, and thereby fair game to be window dressing for a tower.\u201d<\/p>\n The LPC hearing<\/a>\u00a0is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, Oct 21st. The\u00a0Downtown Brooklyn Community Association (DBCA)<\/a>, a new\u00a0neighborhood coalition, has created\u00a0a\u00a0petition<\/a>.\u00a0It not only outlines the history and significance of the houses but how the developer\u2019s plans emperil them structurally. Please sign and share it widely. In addition, you can also write your own testimony using this online submission form:\u00a0https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/site\/lpc\/about\/submit-public-hearing-meeting-comments.page<\/a><\/p>\n SIDE NOTE: Before anyone gets spicy about NIMBY complaints or the need for affordable housing, understand those are issues outside the purview of the LPC. The commission\u2019s only function is to evaluate\u00a0projects\u00a0based on established historical standards and the merits (or lack thereof) of the developer\u2019s plans. It is curious though that neither Forest City Ratner nor Brookfield managed to bring their projects to fruition.\u00a0The current proposal definitely begs the question, \u201cIs this even feasible without destroying the houses in the process?\u201d As of right doesn\u2019t make it right.<\/p>\n This plea is strictly about preserving rare, authentic, 19th-century architecture that typified Brooklyn as an indedpendent city. These homes were purposefully saved frrom the wrecking ball and thoughtfully relocated in 1990.\u00a0They are the only physical, historical, and architectural representation of the\u00a0the immigrants, working and middle class individuals who forged Brooklyn\u2019s vibrant character. Personally, I would like to see the Duffield Houses preserved and memorialized as a living museum akin to The Tenement Museum. But first we have to prevent the developer from white-washsing and erasing history.<\/p>\n Thank you.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Share this Story:<\/p>\n
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