Owner clarifies removed front step and proposes dark-sky fix for new lighting at 105 Westbourne Ln

Applicant representatives told the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission that renovations at 105 Westbourne Lane began in 2023 and described three outstanding items for commission review: site lighting added after the original approval, the removal of a historic brick step at the primary entrance, and paving for a second front-yard parking space.

The applicant explained the ADA accessible parking layout was shifted during construction and that a demolition contractor removed the original 9" brick step by mistake. “We did pour concrete that was stamped, replaced the step,” the applicant said and submitted before-and-after photos and site photometrics. On lighting, staff and the applicant said four 14-foot poles on a lower patio currently use vintage-style fixtures that are not dark-sky compliant; the applicant identified a Long Island fabricator who can supply an insert to make the fixtures compliant or proposed replacing the lamps if necessary. “Regardless, if we don't have that information, we'll replace it with a compliant lamp,” the applicant told the commission.

Commissioners raised questions about the visual impact of the changes and whether the revised elements respect the building’s historic character. Staff concluded the entrance landing and additional paving did not remove distinctive materials or alter character-defining features in a way that would cause substantial adverse effect, and recommended approval with the condition that any noncompliant lighting be remediated. The commission opened the public hearing, received no written or in-person comments, and approved the certificate of appropriateness for the described changes.