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Board to schedule site visit for Geismond house after demolition permit filing; members move into executive session
Summary
After the sisters filed another demolition permit for the Geismond/Marion Woods property, the board pressed for an interior site visit and additional documentation; the applicant’s land surveyor said the owners consider the structure too costly to repair, and the board voted to enter executive session to discuss Geismond and Bethel Knowles.
The Greenburgh Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board discussed a newly filed demolition permit for the Geismond (Marion Woods) property and directed staff and the applicant to arrange an interior site visit and to exchange background documentation.
Chairperson O'Shea reported that the sisters had submitted another demolition permit and said the board has not yet completed an interior inspection, limiting what the board can decide. Steven Miller, a land surveyor on the Zoom, told the board the sisters find the structure "in very bad shape" and that repair is cost prohibitive, so they want it removed. Miller said he was not in a position to speak for the sisters but was assisting with permitting.
Several members described outside neglect—broken windows, boarded openings, animals entering—but also cited a professional evaluation saying the house’s "bones" were in salvageable condition. Members discussed whether the town, county or state might have interest in acquiring or protecting the property and noted the potential that designation could make the owners eligible for grant funding.
An applicant representative (Cooper) said his team only learned earlier the same day that the matter was on the agenda and requested that the board state on the record why it would enter executive session for Bethel Knowles; staff committed to include the reason on the record and to improve notice procedures.
Before adjourning to executive session to discuss Geismond and Bethel Knowles, the board asked Miller to coordinate with staff to arrange a site visit and for staff to provide the Larson Fisher survey and prior submissions the board has on file.
Why it matters: The decision to demolish a property adjacent to parkland raises preservation, public‑access and grant eligibility questions; a site visit and documentary review can materially affect whether the property is landmarked or cleared for demolition.
What’s next: Staff will provide the Larson Fisher survey and related materials; the applicant will work with staff to set a site visit. The board voted to enter executive session to discuss Geismond and Bethel Knowles.
