The city’s just rolled out its bike-share program — and it’s already been targeted by a gang of preservationist vandals in Brooklyn.
Flyers plastered yesterday on a “Citibike” station on Clermont Avenue in Fort Greene warned sponsor Citibank, “Residential landmark blocks are not for advertising or commercial activity.”
Other messages ripping the use of Citibank’s corporate logo reportedly popped up at similar stations in another historic district in Clinton Hill, and the real estate blog Brownstoner fielded many other complaints.
“Homeowners on these blocks can’t even repair a crack in their sidewalk without [the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission] watching so why does Citi get a free pass? Plus, they’re friggin’ hideous,” cracked one Brownstoner reader.
At the Fort Greene bike station yesterday, neighborhood resident Kristen Loosvelt, also said the Citibike station doesn’t fit in with the area’s character.
“It’s a commercial stamp that takes away from the beauty of the neighborhood,” said Loosvelt.
A Landmarks Preservation Commission spokeswoman said “we approved the plan for the installation of bike share stations in historic districts throughout the city because they have no effect on the historic fabric of those neighborhoods.”
Citibank did not return a call for comment.
Councilwoman Letitia James (D-Brooklyn), who supports the program, said she is hosting a town hall meeting Wednesday to address concerns about the new stations.
rcalder@nypost.com