Queens Family Property Dispute Threatens Historic Ketchum Farmhouse

Historic Home at Risk

• 💔 Marie Ashley faces the potential loss of her family's nearly 200-year-old Ketchum Farmhouse in Hollis, Queens, after 27 years of living there.
• 🏡 The Italianate-style home, one of Hollis's first, has been in her family for decades and holds significant local history.

Family Conflict and Development Plans

• 🏗️ Marie alleges that some family members plan to demolish the historic home to build multiple units for profit.
• 🔒 She and her sister, who took over payments and upkeep after their mother's death, claim they are now locked out of the property.
• ⚖️ Relatives' attorney stated that Marie and her sister signed away their rights and breached settlement agreements, though they declined an interview.

Landmark Designation Challenges

• 🏛️ Efforts to gain landmark designation to prevent demolition are hindered, as the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission states the home fails to meet standards due to alterations.
• ⏳ Preservationists argue the home should have been designated decades ago, with one noting a decrease in landmarked buildings under Mayor Adams.

Community and Historical Preservation Efforts

• 📢 Neighbors and historical societies are rallying to save the farmhouse and are pushing the city to reconsider its stance.
• 🗣️ Community members emphasize the importance of preserving the unique texture and history of Hollis.

Broader Implications of History Loss

• 📜 Marie and her sister's ultimate goal extends beyond their personal situation; they want to ensure the documentation of this history before it is permanently lost.
• 🌍 The loss of such historical sites is seen as a loss for the entire community and its identity.