Help Save a Family Legacy: Support Our Demolition Efforts

Help Save a Family Legacy: Support Our Demolition Efforts

Hello friends, neighbors, and supporters,

My name is Robert E. Holley, and I’m reaching out to you during a critical time for my family and our property at 24 Patchen Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. This house is not just a building—it’s my entire life and a cornerstone of my family’s legacy.

My late father, Deacon Joseph E. Holley Sr., was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to creating opportunities for others, particularly through housing and community development. As a servant leader and ordained deacon, he worked tirelessly to expand access to affordable housing, facilitating stability and homeownership for countless families. In the 1980s, he envisioned and developed the Bedford-Stuyvesant Mews, a collection of the famous blue houses located on Howard Avenue, Saratoga Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, and Hancock Street. These homes remain a hallmark of the neighborhood today.

Beyond the Mews, his projects included numerous other developments in Bedford-Stuyvesant and surrounding areas. These initiatives provided low-income housing and homeownership opportunities for families who had been overlooked by traditional systems. From revitalizing abandoned properties to constructing residences that fostered community, his work laid the foundation for stable, thriving neighborhoods. His vision became the blueprint for revitalizing Bedford-Stuyvesant and inspired the redevelopment of many community-based areas across Brooklyn.

Deacon Holley believed deeply in the transformative power of housing. He saw every run-down building not as a blight but as a potential home, a sanctuary for a family to thrive. His work didn’t just rebuild houses—it rebuilt lives. His passion for providing dignified, affordable homes for the most vulnerable among us was a cornerstone of his service to God and the community.

This house, purchased by my parents in the late 1970s, was a testament to his belief in building a foundation for families. It became not only a home but a safe haven for friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. Whether it was a sanctuary during tough times or the site of my legendary 4th of July birthday cookouts, it was a place of connection and love, embodying the values my father cherished most.

The Calamity and Its Aftermath

On December 3rd, 2024, calamity struck when the brick façade of the street-facing wall came down. The city issued an “Immediate Emergency Declaration,” deeming the structure unsafe and ordering its immediate demolition. While I believe the issue could have been resolved without such drastic measures—blueprints and “means and methods” had already been filed and approved by the city, and a down payment for the work had been paid—the city moved forward at a pace that left no room for alternatives.

Within 48 hours of the city’s order, our insurance company dropped us, using my previous due diligence to address this situation against me. Faced with an impossible choice, I opted to shoulder the financial burden myself rather than allowing the city to handle the demolition at an astronomical cost. The emotional and financial toll has been devastating. Only the fourth floor and half of the third have been removed thus far, and the project has reached the upper six-figure mark, with expenses rising daily. The final cost is expected to reach seven figures.

Why I Need Your Help

This demolition is not only urgent but also uniquely complex. The process requires hiring a team of licensed professionals, including a structural engineer, a certified demolitions contractor, and an abatement team. Adding to the burden, testing for asbestos is not allowed, and we must proceed under the assumption it is present, requiring additional specialized protocols and significant costs.

The demolition must also follow strict “controlled demolition” guidelines:

• The work is performed entirely by hand, using only crowbars and other manual tools.

• It must be conducted from a lift by only two workers at a time, with no machinery allowed.

• The fully intact four-story home, unlike a burnt-out structure, requires the manual breakdown of all interior contents, including refrigerators, beds, washing machines, and couches.

This is an exceptionally time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive process.

Every Contribution Counts

No amount is too small. Every dollar raised will go directly toward these specialized demolition and abatement efforts. Together, we can honor my father’s legacy, relieve the financial strain on my family, and preserve the historical and emotional significance of this property.

A Legacy of Giving and Serving

If you know the Holley family, you know we are built on the tenets of giving and serving. My father’s work transformed this neighborhood and touched the lives of countless families. If our family has touched your life in any way, I humbly ask for your support now.

This home wasn’t just a house—it was a part of my identity, my history, and a place where so many of you shared special moments with us. Thank you for considering my campaign and for standing with me during this challenging moment. Whether you contribute financially or share this campaign with others, your support makes a difference.

With gratitude,

Robert E. Holley