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Board reviews archival evidence for Old White Plains Road site, seeks dating and archaeologist
Summary
The board reviewed materials from the Tarrytown Historical Society and members urged formal dating of a small chapel, wells and walls; the applicant said some salvable materials may be reused and the project team plans a mixed‑use design requiring future site‑plan approval.
The Greenburgh Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board reviewed newly obtained archival materials for the Old White Plains Road application and urged the applicant to pursue formal dating and archaeological investigation of the on‑site chapel and well.
Staff reported the applicant’s team contacted the Tarrytown Historical Society and provided photographs of archival items—hand‑drawn maps, a commissioners’ forfeiture map, an 1851 Westchester map close‑up, pages from a 1963 Historic American Buildings Survey and a 1972 Tarrytown Daily News article. The documentation, staff said, may help clarify whether some on‑site buildings date to the 18th century.
"I would really like to know more about the chapel," Chairperson O'Shea said, urging the board to seek dates and professional analysis. Several members suggested engaging a historic architect or archaeologist and, for the well on the property, possibly limited excavation to recover dating material.
The applicant’s representative, Esauro, said the project team documented salvageable items (wood cladding, ironwork, interior doors and a red front sign) and that commercial salvage firms showed limited interest; the owner is willing to incorporate the sign into a new façade. The project team said it intends a mixed‑use building with ground‑floor commercial space and apartments above and acknowledged that site‑plan approval with the planning board will be required.
Why it matters: Members said formal dating could determine eligibility for local designation and grant funding, and that salvage or reuse of historic brick and stone should be considered before demolition. The board also emphasized that physical inspection (a site visit) remains necessary before substantive decision‑making.
What’s next: Staff will circulate the archival attachments, the board will pursue options for dating and an archaeologist, and the applicant will proceed to planning‑board site‑plan review after addressing historic‑resource questions.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are limited to persons identified in the meeting record.
