Beacon Looks to Grow Historic District

City Council may add 17 properties
Beacon is considering adding 17 properties near Main Street to the city's historic district.
There are nearly 300 homes and structures in the district, which prevents them and neighboring buildings from being altered in a way that the city believes will harm their historic value. The district also has its own architectural and design standards — a sticking point for some homeowners who have said during public hearings that the rules are too restrictive, limiting choices on paint colors and other elements.
On the flip side, historic structures are eligible to apply for special permits that allow uses associated with history, the arts or culture, such as hotels or other professional uses. Rose Hill Manor Day School, for example, at 1064 Wolcott Ave., is part of the historic district. The Planning Board is reviewing a proposal by the property owner to convert the historic buildings to an inn and restaurant, uses not normally allowed in its otherwise mostly residential zone.
Restoration of properties in the historic district may also be eligible for tax exemptions and, in some cases, for historic preservation grants.
The district is an overlay, meaning its restrictions can apply to any building. It was created in 1991; before the pandemic shutdown in 2020, the City Council held public hearings on 35 properties recommended for inclusion. In July 2021, council members voted to add six properties on or near Main Street. A month later, nine Main Street buildings were added.
Of the 17 sites now being considered, 14 appear to be private homes. The Beacon Hebrew Alliance, at 331 Verplanck Ave., and St. Rocco Society, at 26 South Chestnut, are on the list, along with 17 Church St., which is owned by an LLC.
On the List
These buildings are being considered for inclusion in Beacon's Historic District.
9 Mattie Cooper Sq.
11 N. Elm St.
4 N. Elm St.
17 Church St.
27 Church St.
159 Fishkill Ave.
189 Fishkill Ave.
194 Fishkill Ave.
331 Verplanck Ave.
11 Digger Phelps Ct.
26 S. Chestnut St.
19 Commerce St.
11 Commerce St.
20 South Ave.
22 South Ave.
26 South Ave.
30 South Ave.
The council can designate a site as part of the district because of distinguishing architectural features, cultural or aesthetic value or if it is eligible for the state or national registers of historic places. After a property has been officially nominated, the council must hold a public hearing and vote within 60 days.
The owners of nominated buildings can request exclusion, but a supermajority of the council (five of its seven members) can overrule the objection.
248 Tioronda
The City Council has begun its review of the amended concept plan for a partially completed development at 248 Tioronda Ave.
In November, the City Council gave the developer the go-ahead to draft plans for two new residential buildings with 136 apartments, 27 of which will be offered at below-market rates. That was the trade-off required after Bernard Kohn, the developer, asked the city to allow him to build more apartments (64 have been completed) rather than a commercial building, which had been a condition of approval.
If, after a public hearing, the council approves the amended concept plan, the Planning Board will review and vote to amend its approval of the project.
Planning Board
The Planning Board on Tuesday (Feb. 10) approved Stanza Books' application to construct a partially enclosed patio behind 425 Main St., the former Mase Hook & Ladder firehouse.
There was no vote on the proposal to construct an addition onto the Telephone Building at 291 Main St.; the project attorney requested an adjournment because only five of seven board members were present.
The board will hold a public hearing next month on an application to construct a 49-space parking lot and add five parking spaces to the employee lot east of Dia Beacon. The museum would also like to construct a 60-foot-by-70-foot storage building at the south end of the employee lot.
Public hearings
Th...