Live And Let Live
To The Editor:

I'd like to comment about the attempt to grant landmark status to Sunnyside Gardens.

Whatever happened to the old adage, "A man's home is a man's castle" or the original concept of freedom to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as expressed by this nation's founders? The existing homeowners in Sunnyside never legally agreed to preserve its historic character. I don't see how this whole concept of compulsory historic preservation ever came about. If historic preservation is worthwhile, it should be voluntary.

Non-profit organizations, government or private/public partnerships wishing to preserve local historic character should seek to enter into voluntary agreements with willing homeowners. They could always provide financial inducements or directly purchase and preserve homes themselves. Local governments could even offer real estate tax abatements to willing participants.

Nobody is compelled to live in any neighborhood. If its character changes, anyone not liking it is free to move elsewhere. If I think my neighbor's house is very gaudy looking, I don't run to City Hall in [an] attempt to regulate aesthetic standards. Whatever happened to live and let live? Steven Kalka East Rockaway, N.Y.