As founder of the Bay Ridge Conservancy, Victoria Hofmo has been a leading advocate for preserving Bay Ridge’s historic homes for well over a decade.
Hofmo’s tireless efforts have included defending the generously proportioned lots surrounding venerable old homes from developers intent on creating “super luxury” architectural eye sores. She even coined the term “Fedders houses” aka “Fedders Specials” in the process!
Back in April, Kip from Bay Ridge Journal reported that Hofmo will be leading a bike tour of Bay Ridge’s beauties – including favorites like the Arts & Crafts Ginger Bread House, on June 2, at 10 A.M.
Other stops on the tour will include Owl’s Head/Bliss Park, historic Barkaloo Cemetery, Narrows Botanic Garden, the site of the former New York Crescent Club and Polo Grounds, the cul-de-sac block Colonial Gardens, and the est. 1825 Fort Hamilton Army base.
And of course no tour of Bay Ridge would be complete without a gander at the 1849 Greek Revival Bennett-Farrell House – which Hofmo led the effort to save from the wrecking ball back in 1997.
According to a more recent Brooklyn Eagle article, the tour is part of the “Six To Celebrate” series by the Historic District Arts Council.
Earlier this year, the council named Bay Ridge one of six historic New York City neighborhoods to be honored in 2012.
Remember that you must both provide your own bike and live in Bay Ridge or another eligible neighborhood to register. Please check with HDC for eligibility details.
The cost is $10 per person – or $5 for Friends of the Historic Districts Council, Seniors and Students. Please contact hdc@hdc.org to register.