In a recent meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC), discussions centered on the construction of a retaining wall at 2103 Albaum, with significant input from community members and commissioners regarding materials and height. The Historic District Council (HDC) expressed a preference for a red brick wall, aligning with the predominant materials used in the area, while the Victorian Society in New York supported the construction of a retaining wall but emphasized that it should match the existing red brick of nearby houses.

Jeremy Woodof from the Victorian Society highlighted that 80% of retaining walls in the district are made of red brick, urging the commission to require this material for the proposed wall. He also suggested that the wall's height be reduced to maintain the original concept of an unobstructed view between houses and the public sidewalk.

The applicant, however, indicated a reluctance to use brick, citing difficulties in matching the existing brick of the house and expressing a preference for a different material. This led to a broader discussion among commissioners, who largely agreed that the wall should be lowered to a maximum height of 24 inches and constructed from brick to preserve the historic character of the neighborhood.

Commissioners noted that the proposed 34-inch wall was inconsistent with the lower walls typically found in the district, which detracted from the area's architectural integrity. They unanimously recommended denying the current proposal, suggesting that the applicant work with LPC staff to find a suitable solution that adheres to the district's guidelines.

The meeting concluded with a motion to deny the application as it stood, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the uniformity and charm of the historic block. The commission encouraged the applicant to collaborate with staff to explore options that would align with the community's historical aesthetic.