York HDC clears demolition for 24 Church Street carriage house

The York Historic District Commission voted unanimously to allow the demolition of a carriage-house-style structure at 24 Church Street, saying the building does not rise to the level of historical or architectural significance that would justify blocking the owner's request.

Chair Scott Stevens opened the application and invited owner David DeSantis to speak; DeSantis told the commission he believes the structure dates to about 1885 and described extensive structural problems. “I believe 1885 on paper,” DeSantis said, and later added, “I'm talking a $100,000 for something like that,” when asked about the cost of lifting and rebuilding the sills rather than replacing the building.

Commissioners examined photographs and interior images provided in the application and discussed how the structure’s features have been altered over time. Commissioner Kari Lapre noted the building “has retained a lot of its character,” but Commissioner Don Rose and others concluded it has been sufficiently altered and does not have the integrity required to deny demolition. Rose moved, under section 12.17 of the town zoning ordinance, that the structure lacks historical or architectural significance sufficient to deny the demolition application; John Covino seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.

The commission’s role under Article 12 is limited to determining significance and, when appropriate, delaying demolition to seek alternatives; it does not approve or regulate replacement construction, which is handled by the planning board and the code office. Chair Stevens said the commission would notify the code office about the decision before the end of the week.

The owner and the commission agreed that any replacement will be subject to the town’s separate permitting and planning processes.