Petition Aims to Preserve History of Richmond Hill

QUEENS — A petition is calling on officials to make Richmond Hill a protected historic district.

The area bounded by 84th and 85th avenues and 104th and 119th streets in Queens would become a New York City Historic District and a National Register District under the plans.

The signatures will be submitted to the New York State Historic Preservation Office, which administers historic districts, and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, which oversees national register districts.

"Historic designation is a win-win for Richmond Hill. By promoting an Historic District we strengthen community awareness of Richmond Hill’s place in history in the development of New York City," reads the Change.org petition that was started by the Richmond Hill Historic Society.

"More importantly, establishment of such a district would celebrate and protect Richmond Hill so that future generations can marvel at its charm as we do today."

The petition also points out that a historic designation would help the local economy by raising property prices and attracting new businesses.

The houses within the suggested area include a vast range of architectural styles including Victorian, Queen Anne, Greek Revival, Dutch Colonial and Tudor Revival. It is reminiscent of Queens at the turn-of-the-century, the petition says.

Councilmember Eric Ulrich, State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. and Assembly Members Andrew Hewesi and Michael Miller have backed the proposal.

The petition, which aims to reach 500 signatures, was signed by 261 people as of Friday lunchtime.

More information on the petition can be found here.

Image via Change.org