As officials and communities consider the future of the BQE, attention is turning to alternative ways to move goods and freight, revitalize neighborhoods, reconnect communities, and address environmental harm all while avoiding the pitfalls of gentrification and displacement.

Join the BHA, the Institute for Public Architecture and the Center for Brooklyn History for a panel discussion on how green gentrification can be considered – and avoided – as we look towards the future of the BQE. 

The event begins with a screening of The Story of the BQE, a documentary by architect Adam Paul Susaneck, Founder of Segregation by Design. Read about the event, including the panel of experts who will be sharing their insights.  

This event will take place on Tuesday, March 11th beginning at 6:30pm at the Center for Brooklyn History (128 Pierrepont Street.) RSVP required. 

Thank you to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission for putting together this helpful explanation on parapets. 

As we've been informed, starting  January 1, 2024, every building owner in New York City must have an annual inspection of their building’s parapets.

Does this new law apply to you?

Question: What is a parapet?

Answer: The part of any wall entirely above the roofline (photos 1-4).  Structures attached to parapets, such as guard rails and ladders, must also be inspected (photo 5).  Roofs that slope up toward the street-facing wall and roofs that are flat with no wall above the roof line are not parapets (photos 6 and 7).

Question: Who can perform the inspection?

Answer: Any person who is competent to inspect parapets, including but not limited to:

• Bricklayer
• Building superintendent
• Handyman (including building owners who make their own building repairs)
• Mason
• Architect
• Engineer
• Insurance company inspector
• NYS authorized building inspector

Question: How do you file a parapet report?

Answer: The format of the report must follow RCNY 103-15. Owners must maintain the inspection reports for at least 6 years and must make such reports available to the Department of Buildings (DOB) upon request.

Question: What parapets are exempt from inspection?

Answer: Parapets on detached 1 or 2-family homes as well as parapets with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall.

More information from DOB can be found here. A helpful slide deck from DOB illustrating more visual examples of parapets and exceptions to the law can be found here.

If you have questions about issues with your building, call the Landmarks Preservation “Hotline” at 212-995-5250, Ext. 305 or email gwendolynstegall@nylandmarks.org

Speaking of gardens, while the cold weather is keeping those rats out of sight, that doesn't mean they have left the neighborhood. They too are waiting for the warm weather to return!

Start the spring off prepared and join our virtual community Rat Academy training, Wednesday, April 2nd from 5-7pm.

This session will be led by the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene and is co-sponsored by the BHA, the Atlantic Avenue BID, and the Cobble Hill Association. We know it's 2 months away, but register now so you don't forget. The rats sure wont!

The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights (21 Clark Street) offers luxury senior living in the neighborhood you love. 

Offer for BHA members:
BHA members who refer a resident to the Watermark can earn a $2500 referral fee! Prospect must provide the BHA member name upon their first tour of the Watermark facility and, after moving in, must reside at Watermark for a minimum of sixty days.