In this episode, Nat speaks with preservation expert Kelly Carroll about the power of community-driven historic preservation. Kelly shares how neighborhoods across New York City have successfully advocated for their historic districts and why even unsuccessful preservation campaigns can strengthen community bonds and build civic engagement.

Kelly Carroll is a preservationist whose career has focused on empowering communities to protect their historic resources. A Buffalo native with a deep appreciation for industrial heritage, Kelly has worked with diverse neighborhoods across New York City through preservation advocacy and education. She currently serves at the Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District in Brooklyn, where she champions legacy businesses and historic storefronts while balancing preservation with progress.

Key Insights

True preservation comes from the ground up – from residents who want to protect their neighborhoods, not from top-down government mandates

Communities of color have been at the forefront of preservation efforts in Brooklyn, seeking self-determination for their neighborhoods

Historic neighborhoods provide what many people want today: human scale, mature trees, walkable streets, and community connection

Even unsuccessful preservation campaigns create lasting community connections and teach people about civic engagement

Legacy businesses are crucial to neighborhood identity and deserve recognition through programs like the NY State Historic Business Preservation Registry

Successful preservation examples include the Crown Heights North Historic Districts and East 25th Street in East Flatbush

The Waldorf Astoria's interior landmark designation shows how public engagement can influence preservation outcomes

Connections to Jersey City

Kelly draws parallels between Jersey City and Brooklyn through their:

Industrial waterfront history

Immigration patterns

Mom-and-pop businesses

Historic infrastructure

Religious and ethnic institutions

Abandoned railroad infrastructure

Hand-painted street signs and other "hidden treasures"

Related Resources

Historic Districts Council (NYC): historicdistricts.org

Crown Heights North Association: crownheightsnorth.org

Preserving East New York: preservingeastnewyork.org

NY State Historic Business Preservation Registry: parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry

Atlantic Avenue BID: atlanticavebid.org

Explore Further

On my Substack, I'll be sharing articles on "Jersey City's Historic Businesses" and "Hidden Art Deco Treasures of Jersey City" inspired by my conversation with Kelly. I've already begun exploring this theme through a painting of a local historic storefront, connecting our conversation about preservation to the visual documentation of Jersey City's commercial heritage.

Coming Up Next

Join me for a conversation with artist and activist Jin Jung, whose ceramic plaques throughout Jersey City honor forgotten histories and tell powerful stories of people and places that shaped our community.

Music: Our theme music is "How You Amaze Me," composed by Jim Kalbach and performed by Jim Kalbach, Bryan Beninghove, Charlie Siegler, and Pat Van Dyke.