I had an interesting exchange with a gentleman who participated in the REAL begining of the Brownstoning movement. Here it is, for your voyeuristic reading pleasure:
Thanks for the reality check! I wonder though, and please remind me. Was there a racial element to the Brooklyn Heights changes? In other words, were blacks replaced by whites?
In 1957 my wife and I bought a townhouse in Brklyn Heights. We wanted a real neighborhood with real neighbors who would share in our interests in living with improved schools, nice shopping, clean streets, personal security and the rest of all those good things that make a great neighborhood. We are still here. And so are many of our friends and neighbors from 30, 40 and 56 years ago.
Aren't those the real values, the kind of good quality of life values that Prospect Lefferts is seeking. You don't want to be overrun by huge dormitories for Manhattan workers. What it boils down to is that you want to preserve and even improve the neighborhood.
You and your blog kibbitzers would find the story of how the Heights beat off the Big Developers including the master himself --- Robert Moses --- and re-created from a pretty run-down area the solid, stable, child-rearing neighborhood we have had for decades. No more threats from over-development. And, lots of people who want to put down roots. You can see it all and maybe be inspired by the 13-minute video, "Brooklyn is My Neighborhood" at http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/17343
There is also a printed version of the same story.
Bottom line: It takes more than costly law suits; you need a united neighborhood favoring the same fundamental values.
I wish you and your fellow neighborhood protectors the best.
Let me know if there is anything in our successful history that might usefully be shared with your threatened area.
BTW: I am 85-years-old and am comfortably retired from a long career in public affairs.To which I replied:
Thanks for the reality check! I wonder though, and please remind me. Was there a racial element to the Brooklyn Heights changes? In other words, were blacks replaced by whites?
There were transient people of all colors. The picture then was that the St. George Hotel, which eventually morphed into a huge dorm for college students of all colors, was being used by the City as a dump for welfare and homeless folks. The once-fancy brownstones had become run-down and neglected multiple dwellings owned by absentee landlords. Color was just not an issue. Permanent ownership was the driving force. And it was good and fair all around. In other words, all anyone needed, other than a few bucks, were the motives and the willingness to take on the hard task of long time ownership.
Remember, at one point in this neighborhood, Jews were not welcome. Blacks and Latinos, of course not. That all changed and today this is an open and welcoming nabe for anyone who wants to be a Brooklynite. Perhaps you may want to widen your horizon. Take a look at the video.