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New owner vows to restore 1778 core of Bishop's Terrace after approved partial demolition
Summary
JSLW LLC’s Jeffrey Handler won the commission’s approval to demolish attached nonoriginal structures at Bishop’s Terrace while preserving and restoring the house’s 1778 main block.
The commission approved a partial‑demolition plan June 17 that clears attached, nonoriginal ancillary structures at 108 Route 28 — the long‑decayed Bishop’s Terrace property — while preserving the main house built about 1778.
Buyer and owner Jeffrey Handler (JSLW LLC) described the purchase and his preservation intent: “I am requesting that an action be taken for an approval to demolish all of the structures on the property with the exception of the original ... home built in 1778,” he said, explaining the building’s interior deterioration and his family’s commitment to salvage and restore original fabric where possible. Commissioners praised the plan to save original doors, interior elements and hand‑forged iron hardware for reuse and said the application demonstrated a preservation‑focused approach.
The commission recorded that the property is directly associated with historically noteworthy persons in local history, possesses architectural value, and is listed on the town’s historic property inventory. The motion to approve the proposed exterior elevations and the partial demolition as submitted carried without recorded opposition. Commissioners asked the applicant to coordinate salvage, reuse of original doors and hardware, and to submit final exterior elevations (dated) for the file.
Next steps: applicant to follow approved elevations, document salvaged material and coordinate with staff on preservation‑restriction language and any follow‑up documentation required by the commission.
