Comments on: Queens McMansions: Making Life Less Affordable in ‘The Boroughs’

By: Susan Gunelius

Susan Gunelius — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:05:52 +0000

I loved seeing the house you grew up in, Deb. What a fun post! When my husband and I were dating, he was living in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, and I saw the same thing happening there. You’d be walking down a typical Brooklyn street then turn the corner and suddenly there were these huge mansions. They were very pretty, but it was bizarre. I always felt like I had completely left Brooklyn for a bit while I walked on those McMansion streets!

By: Mom’s Side Porch

Mom’s Side Porch — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:30:21 +0000

[...] of soda, wine and beer keeping cool outside. It reminds me of when we lived in a small apartment in Queens and used to put our beverages on the back porch to keep them cold in the [...]

By: Angelique

Angelique — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 13:45:45 +0000

I never would have guessed that McMansions had invaded Queens! This is a real eye-opener, though I suppose it’s not entirely surprising.

I personally wish more people would renovate existing homes rather than destroy them, but I know that’s not always possible due to various economic, building code, and other considerations.

Nice post!

By: Mary Emma Allen

Mary Emma Allen — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:39:25 +0000

It is sad with older houses are torn down and we lose part of our heritage. Unfortunately, maintenance, taxes, and other high cost factors often force the original homeowners to sell. It happens in the country, the suburbs and the city.

I did enjoy the “tour” of your part of Queens though and seeing where you grew up. Write down the memories of those days.

By: Peggy

Peggy — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:30:40 +0000

Great post Deb.

I wonder if the developers are bothering to get all those new McMansions LEED certified? That would make it a little easier to swallow…

I really love old houses, and I hope a few survive in your old neighborhood.

By: Around the Lifestyles Channel (12-27-07)

Around the Lifestyles Channel (12-27-07) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:09:13 +0000

[...] Deborah is guest-posting at Offbeat Homes, with a look at the McMansions of Queens. [...]

By: Noreen Crone-Findlay

Noreen Crone-Findlay — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:32:02 +0000

I’m with Marye on the ‘grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr’ response to McMansions. GRRRRRRRRRRRRrr

Here’s a link to a gorgeous island community in BC (Canada) that is working really hard to achieve ‘green’ and sustainable options and to cope with McMansionification:
http://www.gulfislands.net/green_edition/index.asp

By: marye

marye — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:42:29 +0000

Mcmansions? GRRRR.Don’t get me started on this subject. I get violent.