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.
