PEEKSKILL HISTORIC Fall 2002 PRESERVATION CONTENTS PROGRAM Overview of Historic Preservation in Peekskill 1 The Review Process 2 Design Guidelines 3 Summary of Peekskill’s Historic and Landmarks Preservation Ordinance 4 Benefits of Designating a Neighborhood as a National Register Historic District 6 Peekskill’s History and Development 8 MAIN STREET LOOKING WEST, CIRCA 1900 Overview of Historic Preservation in Peekskill community, and promote Peekskill’s rich historic and architectural heritage. Historic preservation is a catalyst for the revital- ization, stabilization, and enhancement of historic ver the last three decades, the City of neighborhoods. The creation of a historic district FRANKLIN STREET SCHOOL Peekskill has experienced a marked typically results in improved property maintenance CONSTRUCTED IN 1902, O increase in the replacement of older structures and a heightened sense of cooperation within the DEMOLISHED IN 1969. with new construction in its downtown area. neighborhood. Another important outcome of This prompted Peekskill’s Common Council to preservation activities is increased property values. begin the process of protecting the remaining Historic designation fosters community cohesion, historic resources in its central business district. identity, and pride, along with an appreciation In May 2000, the Common Council adopted of the historic character of the community and legislation that provides for “Historic Districts and concern for its future. Landmarks Preservation”. On March 26, 2001, If you own a structure that is designated as a local the City designated its first local historic district landmark or located within a historic district, this in the downtown area (see map on page 2). This legislation will make it subject to certain standards. prestigious designation highlights the historical While you have to meet these standards when exte- and architectural significance of the district, and rior work is done on your property, you also benefit ensures that all renovations, demolition and new from knowing that all the property in the district For more information, construction within the district are reviewed by will be treated in the same manner. The relation- contact Peekskill’s Department the City prior to construction. It is anticipated that ship between you, your neighbor and the City of Planning and Development this legislation will stabilize neighborhood growth becomes one of partnering to maintain historical, at 914-734- 4210. and value, bring long term investment to the architectural, cultural and real property values. 1 DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT VISITORS ARE GREETED WITH “WELCOME TO HISTORIC PEEKSKILL” SIGNS AT THE ENTRANCES TO THE CITY. A HISTORIC HOME IN THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT: THE MCGURTY HOUSE AT 136 UNION AVENUE, BUILT IN 1885. The Review Process the other approvals are in place. A building permit must be issued within one year of the date of the COA approval; otherwise the A TYPICAL STOREFRONT LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN COA expires. The Building Inspector will PEEKSKILL, SHOWING IMPORTANT HISTORIC verify that construction follows approved ELEMENTS THAT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED. plans. It is critical that the work is per- formed as approved. Any deviations from the approved plans must be reapproved; f a property owner or tenant plans to Applications for a COA should be sub- otherwise you may be required to remove Iundertake any alterations or additions mitted to the Department of Planning and unauthorized work. The flowchart shown to the exterior of his property in the historic Development approximately three weeks here illustrates the typical review process. district or to a local landmark (including the prior to the scheduled HLPB meeting. installation of signs, awnings, fences, etc.), The HLPB’s review will be based upon the historic ordinance requires that plans the Historic District’s Design Guidelines, The flowchart below is provided to illustrate the process be submitted to the City for review by the which are available in City Hall. Applicants associated with securing approvals to undertake exterior Historic and Landmarks Preservation Board. will always be notified of the date and place rehabilitation of properties within the Downtown Peekskill Local Historic District. Owners and their agents are urged No HLPB review is required for interior of the HLPB meeting, so that they can to contact the Department of Planning and Development alterations, except if they affect the exterior attend and be an active part of the process. or the Building Department prior to making any commit- appearance of the structure. An application After reviewing the proposed project, ments, ordering materials, or beginning work. for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) the HLPB will render its decision as to the can be obtained by calling the Department appropriateness of the work and its conform- START Discuss project with of Planning and Development in City Hall. ity to the Design Guidelines. If the HLPB Dept. of Planning and (Information is also finds that the proposed Development available on the City’s ▼ work meets the Guidelines, Submit Application for COA web site, www.ci.peek- a COA will be issued Application approved and ▼ ▼ COA issued ▼ Attend HLPB meeting ▼ HLPB suggests skill.ny.us). The applica- and the project can ▼ modifications to ▼ tion lists the information proceed accordingly. ▼ project Apply for Building Permit Revisions made by Applicant that is required for HLPB The COA is the ▼ ▼ ▼ No changes made review. Incomplete forms Board’s official approval of Construction begins ▼ and missing information ▼ COA is denied an application and gives Inspection for COA and EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF COMMER- Permit compliance will delay the review the Building Inspector ▼ CIAL INFILL ALONG SOUTH STREET. ▼ Additional process. There is a mini- permission to issue a Correct violation consultation with HLPB mal application fee. THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED ART LOFTS Building Permit if all of (if any) BLEND IN NICELY WITH THE HISTORIC ▼ Project Complete STREETSCAPE. End 2 PEEKSKILL HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM Design Guidelines eekskill’s Common Council adopted PDesign Guidelines for the downtown Historic District. The purpose of these MAIN STREET LOOKING EAST, ABOUT 1900. guidelines is twofold: 1. To provide City officials, property owners, features and by specifying precise treatments renters, architects, and contractors a man- for solving common maintenance-related ual by which to gauge what the HLPB will issues. Most importantly, however, is consider “appropriate” to the District. that property owners and tenants in the Downtown Historic District must be familiar with the Design Guidelines if they intend to make physical changes to the exterior of their properties. The HLPB always welcomes questions relating to exterior improvement, restoration, Please call the Peekskill and sensitive rehabilitation of properties in Department of Planning and the Historic District or to a local landmark. Development at 914-734-4210 Before making any exterior alterations, owners, before submitting your tenants, or contractors must consult with the application, ordering materials, HLPB and obtain all necessary permits. or starting work. RECENTLY PUBLISHED “DESIGN GUIDELINES” FOR THE DOWNTOWN WHEN IS A CERTIFICATE OF LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT CAN BE VIEWED AT THE FIELD LIBRARY OR APPROPRIATENESS REQUIRED? OBTAINED IN CITY HALL. ny treatment that affects 2. To provide the HLPB with standards to Athe exterior of a landmark follow in the review process in order to building or property in the historic establish an objective basis for decision- district (including new construc- making. tion and demolition) requires the Design Guidelines define the significant approval of the HLPB before the elements of building appearance and setting work begins. This includes the within the historic district, and establish modification of nearly every aspect standards for preserving and enhancing those elements. Included in the guidelines of the property and building exterior, MAIN STREET LOOKING EAST TOWARD DIVISION is a description of the major architectural including modifications to windows, STREET AS IT APPEARS TODAY. styles found in Peekskill’s historic district. doors, roofs, porches, the installa- This identifies the features that give a tion of siding, storefront remodeling, painting, fences, signage, awnings, etc. building its historic character, and these The Commission reviews only those changes that are proposed by the applicant and features should be preserved in rehabilitation that affect the exterior of the building or property. If you are simply repairing some- and maintenance projects. thing with the same material that is currently on your building or repainting in exactly Design Guidelines can help avoid hasty the same color, no review is required. If a feature is being replaced in its entirety, even or misinformed alterations of historic with the same materials, you must apply for a COA. If you are unsure what needs to be architecture by offering preferred options reviewed, it’s better to call the City before you order materials or begin work. for dealing with significant architectural FALL 2002 3 Summary of Peekskill’s Historic and Landmarks Preservation Ordinance ● Prepare and publish maps and brochures PURPOSE OF THE HISTORIC about the City’s historic and architectural PRESERVATION ORDINANCE: I. resources. The Peekskill Common Council has ● Advise the Common Council, Planning determined that it is desirable to designate Commission,