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YONKERS, N.Y. Supporters of historic designation for an east Yonkers enclave scored a big victory Tuesday night at City Hall.
The Landmarks Preservation Board approved by a 6-1 vote the application for the Warwick Historic District, determining the area of 18 single-family homes along Warwick Road was a distinct and identifiable portion of the city.
Together, these 18 homes form a contiguous group, which is rare in Yonkers and deserves historical designation, board member Bob Piwinski said before the vote.
The approval from the landmarks board means the application will appear before the City Council in the near future for a final vote. If approved, Warwick would become the citys fifth historic district.
While supporters of the district have said they want to preserve the unique character of the neighborhood, opponents said it will place unnecessary burdens on homeowners.
Mary Cryan, who has spoken out against the plan from the beginning, made another effort Tuesday to convince the board that her home did not belong in the district.
Cryan told the board her home was far from historic. In fact, she said, it was downright ordinary and did not deserve protection.
Youd be hard-pressed to find any notable details about my home, she said. Its just 2 Hampshire Road.
The idea for a historic district arose last year when the neighborhoods newest homeowner, Levon Kazarian, submitted a plan to the Zoning Board of Appeals to demolish his home at 101 Warwick Road. In its place, a larger home with an indoor tennis court and indoor swimming pool would be built.
To prevent the changes, several homeowners along Warwick Road submitted an application to the city, hoping it would declare the area a historic district.
In a meeting last month discussing the request, members of the Landmarks Preservation Board raved about the distinct feel the neighborhood has maintained through the years.
This is a very unique piece of the citys fabric, Piwinski said at the September meeting. This neighborhood doesnt feel like Yonkers. It feels like some other country.
Board member Donna Gianbrone Ingram agreed.
This is a neighborhood that survived, and it behooves us to celebrate it, she said.
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