One month ago, I joined Borough President Marty Markowitz and a few of the local titleholders in Brooklyn for a Victorian House Tour. This event, which raised money for and was led by the Flatbush Development Organization (FDC), allowed community members inside some of the beautiful, historic homes in the heart of Brooklyn.
The titleholders all began at the house of Angela Sbano, the Miss New York's Outstanding Teen Contestant Coordinator. I knew that if her house was any indication of what the guests would be seeing on their tour, they would amazed by the architecture and delicate preservation of each home. After enjoying a few snacks (and waiting for the teen contestants to finish their private meeting) we set out to our next location: a press conference with Borough President Marty Markowitz, City Councilman Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger, and the FDC.
At the press conference, the titleholders stood behind the community leaders (literally and figuratively!) and they urged the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission to grant Victorian Flatbush historical status. With this status, these breath-taking homes would be protected from being changed and would retain their historical beauty. The community is fighting for this status to avoid the high-rise building that they fear will go up in place of these homes. This will change their small, quiet neighborhoods. Marty Markowitz said that something which makes Brooklyn so wonderful is the diversity of it's neighborhoods. One section may have high-rise buildings, the next block is Victorian houses, and who knows what you will find around another corner. There is always something new and different to discover.
Following the press conference, we headed to the start of the house tour - but not before some car troubles! It wouldn't really be a true "Jamie appearance," though, without a little hiccup.
After fixing the car, we went to assist with checking in guests. They then loaded the buses and sent them on their way. I'm positive every "tourist" enjoyed the houses and now sees why we are fighting to protect them.
It was a great day spent with some amazing young women, as well as influential community leaders. Thank you to the FDC for continuing to protect our communities and retain their beauty and thank to everyone involved for including us in this very special occasion.