Senator Stavisky, Congresswoman Grace Meng and Councilman Danny Dromm Call On LPC To Reconsider Horse Brook House For Landmark Status

Flushing, NY—Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and Council Member Danny Dromm issued a letter to Meenakshi Srinivasan, chairwoman of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, urging a Request for Evaluation for the Horse Brook House in Elmhurst, be reconsidered for landmark status.

The Horse Brook House – named for its close proximity to the now non-existent Horse Brook Stream – was originally owned by John Brinckerhoff, an early Dutch settler of America, in 1700. It is one of the only historic houses in Elmhurst. Over the years, the home, as well as the land it sits on, has been owned by three Dutch families and acts as a reminder of an era long-gone.

In August, the farmhouse was purchased by L&Z Realty and is slated to be leveled and developed into small residences.

Shortly after the purchase, the Newtown Civic Association submitted an application to LPC  seeking landmark status for the Horse Brook House, but it was denied on the grounds of property alteration as well as a property fire that occurred in September.

Stavisky, Meng and Dromm joined the Newtown Civic Association’s efforts in appealing to LPC, citing a property in Fresh Meadows, also owned by the Brinckerhoff family, which was landmarked in 2012.

“History is meant to be experienced,” Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), said. In Queens, we have a number of historic homes – including Bowne House in Flushing, King Manor in Jamaica and Vander Ende-Onderdonk House in Ridgewood –  however, there are none in Elmhurst. We must protect the Horse Brook House site the way we would any other historic property. I urge the Landmark Preservation Commission to reconsider their decision and protect this home so that it may be enjoyed by all.”

“The decision to not consider the Horse Brook House for landmark status is very disappointing,” Representative Grace Meng (D-Queens), said. “There are few historic properties that still exist in the Elmhurst area which is why preserving and protecting this piece of history is so important. I urge the Landmark Preservation Commission to reconsider its decision.”

"The Horse Brook House is an important part of Elmhurst history," said NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm  (D-Elmhurst, Jackson Heights). "We have an obligation to protect our historic institutions so that future generations can appreciate and learn from them. I urge the Landmarks Preservation Commission to reverse their decision and work to save this unique cultural treasure."

“The Newtown Civic Association believes in historic preservation and this property is one of the last remaining homes of a bygone era,” Robert Valdes-Clausell of the Newtown Civic Association, said. “A society that doesn’t embrace its history is a trouble society. Historic private dwellings, such as the Horse Brook House, help people truly understand how Elmhurst came to be what it is today. We must not let this opportunity to preserve this home slip away, because once the home is knocked down, it cannot be brought back.”

###