For the first four decades, Sunnyside Gardens was meticulously preserved by design. Just as its planners laid unsightly utility lines underground, they supplied deeds for new homes with 40-year restricted covenants, which forbade changes without the approval of trustees elected from the homeowners associations. These covenants kept common garden space open and fostered an awareness of architectural qualities worth preserving. Two groups of mews courts with shared front gardens were protected by permanent easements. Virtually every house enjoyed private yards in front and back, while most properties also included a portion of common garden space.

 

Changes Appear
Beginning in 1964-68, as 40-year covenants expired on individual properties, some homeowners overtook garden spaces by installing driveways or fencing off portions of the open courts, enlarging their private yards. Still, the great majority of neighbors adhered to the original ideal of open space, in one homeowners association by renewing covenants and in others by tacit agreements to maintain the common courts. Responding to the loss of protective covenants, in 1974 New York City amended its Zoning Resolution to name Sunnyside Gardens a Special Planned Community Preservation District. This law addresses the need to limit the size of buildings and protect open space. Fencing of open commons and new construction (including curb cuts) now require a Special Permit from the City Planning Commission, as explained in City Planning’s “Fact Sheet” for residents.

 

Today
Sunnyside Gardens was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Four years later, the neighborhood developed a set of voluntary guidelines for future development and restoration. Neither of these steps brought legal protection, but this came in 2007, when the neighborhood was designated a New York City Historic District. This means that the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission now protects the visible facades of homes, ensures more effective enforcement for historic preservation, and provides assistance to homeowners from the professional staff of the Landmarks Commission.