Landmarks Commission approves driveway and curb cut at Fieldston house in Bronx—s Fieldston Historic District

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 20 approved a proposal to alter the front yard and install a curb cut and extended driveway at 5051 Iceland Avenue in the Fieldston Historic District, finding the design compatible with the district—s informal, naturalistic landscape and existing driveway precedents.

Architect John Field described a plan to expand the existing cobble-and-paver apron, introduce a drivable grass surface and salvage and re-use the existing fieldstone wall returns after cutting a new opening. The applicant provided examples of similar pull-through driveways elsewhere in the district and said the proposal would improve vehicular visibility and access on a steeply sloped block.

Bronx Community Board 8 recommended approval. Commissioners noted the proposed gray concrete pavers are intended to resemble Belgian block and that permeable plastic grids allowing grass to grow through them would visually minimize the paved width. The commission found the work would not damage significant landscape features and that the new driveway would be largely screened by existing year-round vegetation. The motion to approve passed with eight votes in favor and none opposed.