Historic District Background Information

2003 Comprehensive Plan Discussion of Historic District

In 2003, the Village adopted a Comprehensive Plan to guide future development decisions. One recommendation contained within the Comprehensive Plan was the creation of an Historic District for the Main Street area.  The following is an excerpt from the 2003 Comprehensive Plan relating to this recommendation:

Over the last 30 years, there has been a recurrent theme sounded by many Irvington residents to preserve and protect the historic character of the Main Street area. This concern is evident in the 1982 inventory of Main Street area houses, by numerous conversations between Village staff and the Irvington Historical Society and the Irvington Landmarks Preservation Board, and by the June 1999 Main Street survey.

The Main Street area alone boasts over 200 structures built between 1850 and 1930, but at present, there are few protections offered to preserve historic buildings. Existing setback requirements, height restrictions, sign ordinances and coverage requirements presently in effect through existing zoning and planning channels do not adequately preserve the historic characteristics of the Main Street area. The National Register designation, though prestigious, offers little real protection against destruction of Main Street’s historical character. Consequently, additions or changes to historic buildings that are out of character, demolition, or new construction could threaten the historic character of the area. True protection can only be given on a local level. At present, in the Main Street area, only the Village Hall, St. Barnabas Church and the Burnham Building Library are on the National Register.

 A historic district ordinance can be useful in identifying areas for protection, preserving property values, and can offer tax credits for historic property rehabilitation to property owners in the District. Historic district ordinances should balance the goal of historic preservation with protecting the rights of property owners and are most successful when they are developed through extensive community support and outreach.

 Taking into account these considerations, the LUC created a Historic District sub-committee that met from April 2001 through December 2002. This sub-committee has received widespread community input through numerous public meetings and has engaged in other communication with residents of the Main Street area and other Village residents. {Their research included a survey of residents}

 A History of Legislation is available for review.

Resources

Meeting Video

On January 10, 2013, a public informational meeting was held by the Irvington Historic District Committee.

On July 17, 2013, a second public informational meeting was held.  The video is posted in 2 parts:

Watch Part 1 (duration: 34:48)
Watch Part 2 (duration: 35:36)

On July 24, 2013, a third public informational meeting was held.  Due to technical difficulties, the video for this meeting is not available.

On August 27, 2013, a fourth public informational meeting was held.