Bay Ridge losing hold on heritage

By Matthew Lysiak | Special to amNewYork
October 25, 2007
What good is neighborhood integrity if no one can afford to enjoy it?

That is the question facing residents of Bay Ridge who are coping with the loss of several beloved structures that have recently fallen prey to developers. The issue is hardly unique to Bay Ridge, but the ongoing debate has been amplified in the close-knit community that cherishes its deep sense of tradition and is also dealing with a serious housing shortage.

For most residents, the thought of losing the familiar structures trumps the housing woes being experienced by the many renters and those looking to become new homeowners.

"If you look at what is happening to our community," said preservationist Victoria Hofmo, "eventually we are going to wake up one morning and find Bay Ridge beyond recognition."

First came the news that the Bay Ridge United Methodist, the 107-year-old structure on Fourth and Ovington avenues, will soon be torn down to become condos. Then earlier this month, preservationists looked on in horror as three of the few remaining Victorian homes, located on 74th Street between Third and Fourth Avenues, were demolished without warning to make room for three three-family townhouses.

The destruction launched the creation of grass roots movements bent on reversing the trend through further zoning measures in the already heavily zoned community. "We have to do something; the trend isn't going to reverse itself," Hofmo said.

But preservation also has its price. The increase in zoning that restricts development has transformed this once blue-collar enclave that John Travolta tried to dance his way out of only 30 years ago in "Saturday Night Fever," into a community of million dollar homes and millionaire landlords.

While much of the increase can be attributed to broader trends in New York real estate, curbing the housing supply in a community where more people want to rent or own has also contributed to soaring prices.

But for City Councilman Vince Gentile (D-Bay Ridge), who has been a leading voice in preservation issues, the idea of having to choose either housing or development is a false dichotomy.

"We can satisfy the need for housing while preserving neighborhood integrity if we are just a little creative," said Gentile. "There are still underutilized areas, and we must accept a pro-growth attitude, but apply that belief into our infrastructure contextually."