(Photos by Ray Johnson)

The lettering and awnings of the historic Lundy's building have been taken down by the new tenants, Cherry Hill Gourmet Market, in what Community Board 15 Chairperson Theresa Scavo says is a possible violation of Landmarks Preservation Committee orders.

Scavo has contacted Landmarks Preservation and says, "If we find out that they were not supposed to be removed, they will be put back. Landmarks cannot claim that we have not been in touch with them."

Three sets of signs on the Ocean Avenue side of Lundy's have been taken down. Additionally, all retractable awnings over the windows were removed. It also appears work has been done to the windows themselves, as now two windows are able to be opened. In the past, only one window, near the bar, was functional. According to Scavo, the signs and awnings are believed to be protected by the Landmarks Preservation Committee, as Lundy's is a historical landmark and Cherry Hill Gourmet Market was only issued permits for interior work.

"I'm assuming that no one [from Landmarks] is there to supervise, because otherwise they would know what is going on with the landmark," said Scavo. "I don't know how they can be in their building in Manhattan and see how the work is going on over here."

Scavo has contacted Landmarks about the issues. No one was able to pull the permits and explain what work was permissible, she said. She expects to hear back from officials today about the work.

"I sincerely believe that a closer eye should have been kept on the work that is going on," she said.

- with additional reporting by Ray Johnson

(Photo courtesy of Lisanne Anderson)

There is nothing very unique about the photographic nature of this shot, but in its simplicity is something rare. Lisanne Anderson's title explains this photo as "Another Suggestion of Sheepshead Bay's Rural Past." Sheepshead Bay's quiet, laid-back, sleepytown feel is increasingly becoming lost amidst the bold development. So, it is nice to look at a photograph such as this one and appreciate its anonymity, with hopes that it will remain undiscovered as a blast from the past.

(Photo courtesy of Coney Island History Project)

...carnival barking, that is.

We love to take a bite into a little nostalgia, especially when it involves our sister neighborhood, Coney Island. How many of you can remember the days of Coney Island when it was the newborn apple of the Big Apple’s eye? Well, with all of the controversy surrounding the fate of Sheepshead Bay’s very own backyard carnival, we all could do with a little reminiscing about its history. This Saturday, August 2, as The Coney Island History Project opens up its new exhibit, you will get just that kind of opportunity. On display will be photographs of Astroland since the Albert family gave it birth. Unlike the rides at Astroland, the exhibit is free – so a megaphone will not be needed to get the crowds in and we, here, at Sheepshead Bites don’t mind putting ahold on biting so that we can start barking this one out: [begin playing ‘Over the Waves’ on the old time Wurlitzer] “Step right up...come one and come all! Coney Island is Back – and Back to the Future!”

Where: The Coney Island History Project's Exhibition Center under the Cyclone Roller Coaster, 1000 Surf Avenue, just east of 10th St.
Phone: (718) 266-0012
Web: www.coneyislandhistory.org
E-mail: info@coneyislandhistory.org

When: Saturday, August 2 - Monday, September 1
Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm - 6pm
Open Labor Day (Mon, 9/1)

Lisanne Anderson, whose flickr page catalogs change and development in Sheepshead Bay, shot this photo of the oldest existing church in the area, built in 1869.

She writes:

I can't help but love the architecture. They remodeled it in 1925 without ruining its charm. And since most of the buildings east of the church are two or three story late 19th century structures there's a lot of visible sky.

...

Recently they did some reconstruction which brought back much of the beauty of the 1925 remodeling. Considering that a few years later the New York Conference was considering closing the church they have made an amazing comeback.