How these properties are about to change
What projects got thumbs-up from the Board of Architectural Review this week?
BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK
The Board of Architectural Review convened for one of its Monday meetings this week. As usual, representatives for both residential and commercial properties stepped up to the mic, drafts in hand and slides at the ready, to make a case for why their projects should be allowed to proceed. The Insider was present for most of the meeting, and got an eyeful of several changes that might just be coming to places around the ‘Dale.
98 Brewster Road
Some of the proposed changes to the home include a small balcony, the replacement of a 6-foot patio door with an 8-foot one, and alterations to various windows. The side porch will be removed. RESULT: APPROVED ON CONTINGENCY THAT A LATTICE BE INSTALLED BELOW THE DECK
Out of sight The property rep said the changes to 98 Brewster Road will barely be visible to other residents.
Two views one look at how the rear of 98 Brewster Road will look after it’s reconfigured…
View two …and another perspective
160 Christie Place
Chat would like to replace its distinctive maroon awnings with linen-colored ones made from Sunbrella fabric. “I’m just curious, why the change of color?” BAR member Marsha Morton questioned. The property rep had no clear answer. “I guess my only comment is if stuff lands on this, leaves and whatever, it could look pretty crummy,” Morton remarked. The rep and others agreed the awnings would need to be carefully maintained. RESULT: APPROVED
209 Brewster Road
The property rep for this charming 1920s colonial stressed that the renovation plans will preserve the home’s proportions. Among the proposed changes are an expansion of the second floor, and a new roof cover over the existing door. Although the BAR members had some issues with the plans, including the placement of a downspout, the larger issue at hand was that the property representative had failed to provide certain documents for review prior to the meeting. “There’s an equity to be taken into consideration,” said BAR Chair Brad Cetron.
Although the rep then produced the documents in question, it was too late. “I spend a lot of time looking into these things and I feel I don't want to be looking at the plans now,” Morton said. Over the rep’s protests, the Board refused to consider the project further. RESULT: HELD OVER
Right sized The property representative for 209 Brewster Road promised to keep the house’s proportions.
How do you like it? An rendering of what the house will look like after renovation.
Taking sides The current sideview of 209 Brewster Road.
New sideview How the sideview will appear after the renovation.
51 E. PARKWAY
Gelato devotees know every inch inside Mimi’s, but the property rep asked for permission to put a lit acrylic sign above it. The light would come out at the sides, rather than the front, creating a more gentle effect. RESULT: APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
Current view How the front of Mimi’s appears at present.
A sweet upgrade The proposal called for a bold, black-and-white lighted sign over the door of Mimi’s.
48 E. Parkway
The same property rep then turned the Board’s attention to Martine’s, right across the street, and requested to install upgraded signage to the bakery as well. The new look would include 1 1/2” stainless steel letters painted white, a rail mounted to the canopy, and the word “MARTINE’s” a foot high, followed by “FINE BAKE SHOPPE,” spelled out in the same material but 2” shorter.
RESULT: APPROVED
Cooking up something new The signage on Martine’s will soon get a facelift.
A sign of the times. An updated, classy sign, with stainless-steel letterage, will be installed.
Three more proposals were brought before the BAR: 860 Scarsdale Ave. (held over), 39 Aspen Rd. (approved), and 27 Brookby Rd. (approved). For more information, view the updated BAR agenda here.