On January 7, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) will review a proposal regarding the sidewalk at 43 Sterling Place, a residential building in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The owner is seeking to retroactively receive approval for the replacement of the historic bluestone sidewalk with tinted concrete.
Current state of sidewalk at 43 Sterling Place, via LPC proposal
The replacement of bluestone with concrete was undertaken following repairs initiated in November 2020, supported by documentation from an insurance carrier in the proposal’s documents. While the NYC Department of Transportation issued a sidewalk permit in May 2024, the Parks Department denied sidewalk repair approval in March 2024, indicating ongoing regulatory misalignment.
The LPC hearing will determine whether the replacement aligns with preservation standards or requires corrective measures to restore historic integrity.
2009 Google Maps street view of sidewalk at 43 Sterling Place, via LPC proposal
Current state of sidewalk at 41 and 43 Sterling Place, via LPC proposal
43 Sterling Place is an Italianate-style rowhouse standing three stories tall and yielding three units. It was originally constructed in 1880, and since then has undergone a variety of renovations and alterations.
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The city provides free tree-damaged sidewalk repairs for 1, 2, 3 family homes, but not for the rest of us.
Actually, no, they don’t. The city will only pay to repair a sidewalk if the damage is caused by the tree root from a city tree. Otherwise the owner is on the hook. Even then the waitlist to get a sidewalk repaired can stretch into years leaving the homeowner often dealing with citations for cracked sidewalks and at risk a slip and fall lawsuits.
So, without permission, they replaced the bluestone with concrete, and are NOW seeking approval, for this illegal act? I say, throw the book at them.
Next, maybe they can cover the facade in stucco, then after the fact seek approval for that, too!
Sidewalkgate