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Sunnyside landmark status divides nabe

By Magdalene Perez | Special to amNewYork

6:13 PM EDT, June 14, 2007

A bid to landmark Sunnyside Gardens is bitterly dividing the historic Queens community, once envisioned as a utopian oasis of green spaces and neighborly cooperation.

Built as a planned development in the 1920s, the 17-block stretch of modest brick row houses and expansive courtyard gardens was intended by architects to encourage a sense of shared community. But that ideal has been marred by infighting over a proposed landmark designation, which would impose strict regulations in a community where everything from back porches to high fences are already banned.

"People have been caught in the courtyard taking pictures [of their neighbors' homes] and reporting them for violations," resident Elaine Nickolai said. "This is not the community I grew up in."

Many residents expect the Landmarks Preservation Commission will approve landmark status in a June 26 vote. The City Council would then make a final decision. Commission spokeswoman Lisi De Bourbon would not comment on the vote's likely outcome, but said the community is "worthy of historic district status."

Homeowners are upset to see how the debate has torn the community.

"It seems to have caused a divide," said Hillary Fox, a 10-year Sunnyside resident. "Which is sad because that's not what the community is about."

Landmark supporters argue the community has not been adequately protected by regulations that exist under a special zoning district. They point to illegal driveways and bay windows as proof.

"We're trying to preserve the look of the neighborhood," said Arthur Pearson of the Sunnyside Gardens Preservation Alliance. "Right now if folks want to change stuff they can basically do it."

But other residents worry landmarking would limit their freedom to make changes to their homes and drive up the cost of repairs. Longtime residents David and Laura Sidoti said their dreams to build an addition to their third floor would be "virtually impossible" under the new rules. They argued designation reduces the homeowner to a mere "custodian of something you bought and paid for."

Designation would make Sunnyside Gardens the largest historic district in Queens, with more than 600 private homes.

An April hearing turned into a five-hour stretch of testimony. The majority spoke in favor, De Bourbon said, but anti-landmark residents accuse the other side of beefing up support with letters from preservationists who don't live there.

The argument has cut deep to the community's philosophical roots, provoking debate over whether the neighborhood is defined by its buildings or its gardens. Tom Angotti, a professor of urban planning at Hunter College, argues the most valuable historical aspect is the unique design of open spaces.

"In terms of the architectural details Sunnyside is not especially unique," said Angotti. "You can't keep it preserved by making sure every architectural detail is maintained."