We were happy to see number 245 Lenox Avenue with all the scaffolding work removed, along with having a new brownstone surface (yes, it's basically troweled on cement & sand to look like brownstone) but the neglect of the next door building (at left) is really infuriating to see in this landmark district. This reminds us of today's Daily News report on how one Cobble Hill Brooklyn brownstone owner was successfully sued by the city to fix up the house in the historic neighborhood. The DOB and Landmarks Commission just won the case against the property owner who has left his historic brownstone in derelict condition for the past 10 years. Now there's a 10 month timeline to finish the job or there will be fines of $1,000 for each day that the building has passed its deadline. Has this type of case ever been tried in the Mount Morris Park Historic District? This corner of 122nd Street and the buildings by Settepani at 120th Street are ones that come to mind on properties that need the city's intervention to get back into shape. What's the point of a landmark designation if the city does not chase after property owners that refuse to maintain their buildings? Read more in the Daily News: LINK. Photo by Ulysses
There are many examples of this extreme neglect on non landmarked blocks that get passed over by the city. These extremely neglected buildings are not just an eyesore but a public health hazard as they are home to vermin and often home to substance abusers who start fires and bring other problems to the neighborhood. I find it infuriating that the city will fine a building owner for litter on the sidewalk but ignore these buildings that are a real hazard to health and safety. The way this plays out in real life is that the city will simply ignore these neglected buildings to the point of near collapse and then demolish them. The city’s dysfunctional approach to these extremely neglected buildings really needs to be revisited.
ReplyDeleteWhy does the city wait so long to be pro-active in leveling fines against derelict owners? This is a real problem. But what is also a problem is the absence of collective outrage among the residents who live near these blighted properties! Everyone complains amongst themselves but they don't take the real culprits to task for their neglect. There is a real art to complaining that our community needs to learn and put into effect.
ReplyDeleteWhat westsider said.
ReplyDeleteplus the very real danger that buildings in such a state of disrepair can all down and render the co-joined buildings uninhabitable.
Greg - You said it! There needs to be a more concerted effort in addressing our concerns....and yes, the right way to complain seems to be an art.
ReplyDeleteAstute politicians should take note of our concerns being that things are changing in Harlem. They need to closely monitor the pulse of the community and be proactive. Our part as concerned residents is to VOTE for change in Harlem!
Question: What does L14 mean and what does the box with an X in it signify? I have always thought it meant unsafe floors but I could totally be making that up.
ReplyDeletex in a box means vacant very unsafe structure to enter, equivalent of skull and crossbones, notice to firefighters to enter dangerous condition. box with one line means a little dangerous. box with no lines means vacant.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!! Reckoned it was for firefighters but didn't know the variations!
ReplyDeleteBeen wondering for years and years. Your little contribution to my dwindling sanity, 7:36.
Nothing about that building seems architecturally significant to me. It's a shame to see a beautiful old building in such disrepair but there are a lot of beautiful old buildings in disrepair. Why doesn’t the city care about the brownstone blocks between 127th and 132nd. Most are from 1900-1910 but from some reason these houses are not worth saving. The building across from me had its architectural roof come crashing to the ground. Luckily no one was hurt but that detail can never be replaced. This beautiful building managed to last all this time and no one cares. The same building's frozen pipes burst flooding three houses. Are block association has written letters to the owner, spoken with every Harlem politician. There is nothing they can do there is nothing we can do. A very sad situation all around
ReplyDelete260 Lenox Avenue is next! Located at the N/E corner of West 123rd Street & Lenox Avenue ( Malcolm X) in the Mt. Morris Park Historic District.
ReplyDeleteConcerned resident!
Really nice building next door, but would you want to live right next to the derelict building? I wonder if it would be hazardous for the new residents? The windows between the two buildings would feel awfully close in a case like this...
ReplyDelete