By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — The running debate over turning Hellgate Hill into a landmarked neighborhood will continue Wednesday night, when Community Board 8 is expected to vote on a measure to protect two blocks of historic brownstones.
Residents of the blocks — the north side of East 94th Street and the south side of East 95th Street, between Lexington and Third avenues — are split over a proposal to join the Carnegie Hill Historic District.
Some say they would welcome landmark status because it would prevent the encroachment of condominium developers. Others worry they will not be allowed to renovate their homes as they like.
"Please don't force us to be obedient to imposed rules," Robin Sedgewick, a East 94th Street homeowner, said at a meeting of the board's landmark committee on Monday.
"We don't want this," Sedgewick said.
But despite the divisiveness between residents, the community board's landmark committee was almost united in their decision to to recommend that the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission grant landmark status to the two blocks, voting seven to one on the issue. Members said the move would keep developers at bay.
"Landmarking actually protects your investment," said David Liston, co-chair of the committee.
Supporters pointed to activity on East 93rd Street, where two historic brownstones were torn down to make way for new condominiums.
"It would be a tragedy if what happens here ... happened on 93rd Street," said homeowner Chip Lowenstein.
Some opponents argued that the community has been able to preserve its distinct character without outside regulation.
The community board's vote on the matter will be forwarded to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which has the last word. The commission is not obligated to follow the board's recommendation.
