New Rochelle Historical Landmarks Review Board Meeting - June 10, 2026

The Historical Landmarks Review Board (HLRB) of the City of New Rochelle met on June 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The board held public hearings on several applications for certificates of appropriateness, including legalizations of prior unpermitted work, new construction, and an extension request. Board members present: Jim Fleming, Leanne Merchant, and staff: Soraya Bahambib (Deputy Building Commissioner), Kevin Kane (Director of Planning and Sustainability), and Benito Seha (Senior Project Manager). Rosetta Bofer Monte and Lucia Elliott were absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elena Hirston Cowie (70 Hunter Avenue) commented on the outdoor kitchen porch at 9 The Court, stating it is visible from the street (not just columns). She later noted that the Pella window selected by Margaret Chadwick is top-rated by Consumer Reports and praised its quality. She also questioned the use of cement panels for the garage at 8 or 12 Place, asking if they are common in the historic district.

Discussion Items

Item 2.2 – 9 The Court (Legalization of Improvements)

• Applicant: Cynthia Sorrilla Cantos, architect for property at 9 The Court. Requested approval to legalize an enclosed porch, fire pit, pool, HVAC unit, driveway gate, cable rail fence, and to construct a new garage, front steps, and walkway. All work was done without permits. The board noted that the pool and rear-yard items are not visible from the street and thus not under HLRB jurisdiction. Board members expressed concern over the mix of materials (brick, vinyl, cedar shakes) and the lack of historical consistency, particularly regarding the chain-link fence and vinyl windows, which would not be approved. The board encouraged the applicant to review historic district guidelines and revise the proposal.
• Outcome: Motion to adjourn the application to the next meeting was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Item 2.3 – 95 Hamilton Avenue (Window Replacement)

• Applicant: Margaret Chadwick and her husband Jerry. Requested approval to replace 22 double-hung windows with Pella Lifestyles wood windows (aluminum-clad, white, nine-over-one design). Only windows at the first and second floors, excluding specialty windows (leaded glass, bow window). All sides of the corner lot are visible from the street. The board praised the consistency and historic sensitivity of the proposal.
• Outcome: Motion to approve application HLRB 6-2026 was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Item 2.4 – 40 Earl Place (Fence Legalization)

• Applicant: Jody Lucena Picchardo and husband Diego. Requested to legalize a wood fence with trellis erected during COVID. A zoning variance for height had been approved. The fence is on a corner lot; part is visible from the street. Board members stated that if the applicant had come first, they would not have approved the fence, as it is tall, highly visible, and inconsistent with historic district guidelines that discourage visible fences. The board advised that the fence should be lower or buffered by landscaping.
• Outcome: The board suggested adjourning to the next meeting to allow the applicant to consider modifications or to have a full board present. A motion to adjourn the application to the July 2026 meeting was made and approved unanimously. Staff offered to meet with the applicant in the interim.

Item 2.5 – 8 or 12 Place (Detached Garage Construction)

• Applicant: Francesco of Burino Architectural Design, representing Jeffrey Barino. Proposed a two-car detached garage with a gambrel roof, fiber-cement siding painted to match the existing house, wood windows, and asphalt shingles. The garage will be set back 18 feet from the house and partially visible from the street. The board asked about the location and material choice (cement panels) and clarified the product is fire-rated fiber-cement, matching existing siding.
• Outcome: Motion to approve as presented was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Item 3.1 – Extension Request (Fifth Avenue, HLRB 4-2023)

• Staff noted an extension request for a previously approved single-family dwelling (approved July 12, 2023). The applicant has been working with the building department but faces utility issues. The board requested proof of contacted utilities before finalizing.
• Outcome: Motion to approve the extension pending proof of utility coordination was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2.2 (9 The Court): Adjourned to next meeting (July 2026).
• Item 2.3 (95 Hamilton Ave): Approved unanimously.
• Item 2.4 (40 Earl Place): Adjourned to next meeting (July 2026).
• Item 2.5 (8 or 12 Place): Approved unanimously.
• Item 3.1 (Extension): Approved conditionally pending proof of utility coordination.
• Meeting adjourned at the close of business.