By Marie Villani-York

For the first time since receiving landmark status more than a year ago, Fieldston has visual markings to alert visitors they're in a historic district.

Seemingly overnight, the city Department of Transportation replaced most of the green street signs along the leafy roads with the trademark brown-and-black historic district signs.

"Fieldston Historic District" is printed just above each street name.

"They look more subdued and traditional than the regular city street signs," said Brad Trebach, chairman of Community Board 8's traffic and transportation committee. "I think they complement the enclave's character. I believe they will help in a small but meaningful way to remind us that Fieldston is a special place."

Led by Councilman Oliver Koppell, the City Council voted unanimously on April 26, 2006 in favor of making Fieldston a historic district. Many of the councilmembers had toured the neighborhood with Mr. Koppell, who lives in Fieldston.

Proponents of the historic district said its rules would protect a distinctive suburb-in-the-city, graced with handsome buildings and gardens from oversized additions and teardowns.

A group of residents formed the Fieldston Homeowners Association to oppose the landmark effort, arguing that homeowners could police themselves and that gaining the commission's approval for renovations would be time-consuming and costly.

Some of their red signs, "Stop Landmarking of Fieldston" can still be seen on lawns in Fieldston.