Architectural Review Committee recommends conditional approvals; public raises landmarking concerns

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) reported conditional recommendations for several applications and declined to approve a new design for 535 Manhasset Woods Road, asking the applicant to revise landscaping and consult an arborist to preserve mature trees and the site's historic character.

Gary Lindelski summarized ARC actions: conditional approval was recommended for a single-family dwelling at 45 Crabapple Road with a revised roof/garage design and for a portico/trim changes at 53 Mason Drive, both subject to meeting conditions. For 535 Manhasset Woods Road, ARC members expressed concerns that the site is historically a parkland setting and asked the applicant to revise the site plan to retain mature trees, reorient the driveway, and consult an arborist.

During public comment a resident urged denial of a landmarking-related application and stressed the need for a transparent process that follows Secretary of the Interior guidelines; the commenter cited prior losses such as the Richardson House and said landmarking by the public appears impracticable without a clear path. Trustee Merrick responded that the village code contains a landmarking process: an applicant must submit a form and fee to the Landmarks Commission, which reports to the board; trustee Merrick offered the form to the commenter and said the commission provides an initial review before matters come to the board.

Next steps: applicants for 535 Manhasset Woods Road will return to the ARC after revising landscaping and addressing tree preservation; the clerk will provide landmarking application materials to interested members of the public.