To: Deborah Rose, Council Person, District 49, Andrew J. Lanza, State Senator, District 24, and Diane J. Savino, State Senator, 23rd District
Stop Harrison Street from Being Turned into a Historic District
I am writing in the hopes that you will honor the rights of individual homeowners and stop the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission from turning Harrison Street (Staten Island) into a "Historical District." This process creates unfair financial burdens in an area where the vast majority of homeowners are working class and middle class constituents. I support the plight of homeowners who struggle to make mortgage payments as it is, and will not support any efforts to add more hardships to their lives. I am counting on you, as well as other local and state politicians to make the right choice and support their constituents in this effort.
Why is this important?
Harrison Street is being considered by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission as a possible "Historical District."
While I appreciate the ideals that the commission stands for, as one of many middle and working class homeowners in this area, this move would be a great financial burden. A resident of this block asked for two quotes during a recent home improvement. When he had siding put up he was told regular siding would cost $45,000. The Historic approved siding would cost $120,000! As a young homeowner with a 2-year-old child $45,000 would be hard enough. The latter price would be near impossible!
We have kept this area stable and within the spirit of neighborhood without this NYC-initiated move. We homeowners wish it to remain this way. Let individual homeowners decide to apply for historic value for their own homes. Leave the fate of their property in their capable hands.
We need your help! We constituents are calling upon you now to speak out on our behalf!
While I appreciate the ideals that the commission stands for, as one of many middle and working class homeowners in this area, this move would be a great financial burden. A resident of this block asked for two quotes during a recent home improvement. When he had siding put up he was told regular siding would cost $45,000. The Historic approved siding would cost $120,000! As a young homeowner with a 2-year-old child $45,000 would be hard enough. The latter price would be near impossible!
We have kept this area stable and within the spirit of neighborhood without this NYC-initiated move. We homeowners wish it to remain this way. Let individual homeowners decide to apply for historic value for their own homes. Leave the fate of their property in their capable hands.
We need your help! We constituents are calling upon you now to speak out on our behalf!