My first concern is regarding the illegal tear-downs, given that I have two asthmatics in the home and am genuinely concerned for their ongoing health.
That said I do believe that the new buildings are eyesores now and will be laughable down the road. The quality of the new construction is shoddy -- these buildings will be falling apart in a short few decades, whereas the buildings that are being torn down have lasted a century or more and will continue on with a decent amount of care. What kind of neighborhood will the Heights be in 20 years when, instead of having beautifully restored (or at least maintained) and attractive homes, we have deteriorating shabby boxes with absolutely no yard space? What does any neighborhood gain by replacing stoops and front windows (where we've always been able to meet with neighbors, say hi, feel like you were maybe a little bit safer while walking at night) with locked tight garages?