Debate rages over Sunnyside Gardens

Although the Landmarks Preservation Commission is expected to vote to designate Sunnyside Gardens as a historic district on June 26th, residents of the Queens community are sharply divided over the issue. Many residents are opposed to the restrictions that will be placed on home design if the neighborhood is made a historic district, saying that additions to houses are already policed by community members. “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.” If the LPC votes in favor of the designation, Sunnyside Gardens will be the largest historic district in Queens. more [AMNY]