Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board Meeting - October 30, 2025

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board met on October 30, 2025, to approve minutes, consider a certificate of appropriateness for garage door replacement at 120 Windsor Place, discuss a proposed zoning amendment that would allow property owners to bypass the board's review, review a National Register nomination for a historic Lustron house, and plan board training.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the October 9, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made for or against the certificate of appropriateness application. The applicant representative presented the proposal and answered board questions.

Discussion Items

• Certificate of Appropriateness CA-25-36 – 120 Windsor Place: The applicant proposed replacing non-original 1990s garage doors with new doors. Options included doors with or without windows, in lighter or darker gray. The applicant preferred a lighter gray door with windows, noting it would be less visible from the street and age better. The board supported the lighter gray with windows, referencing the house's period style and consistency with earlier retaining wall work. The board voted to approve the application with the selection of light gray doors with windows. (Motion passed unanimously.)
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Common Council Legislation): Staff informed the board that Councilor Hogan introduced legislation to amend Article 6 of the zoning ordinance to allow property owners in preservation districts to seek an exemption from the certificate of appropriateness process by petitioning the Common Council, which would not be bound by preservation standards. The board expressed strong disappointment and concern that the amendment would undermine the preservation program and could lead to decertification of the city as a Certified Local Government. Board members noted that an appeals process already exists, and called the timing (election year, city's 200th anniversary) troubling. The legislation has been referred to the city planning commission for review, with a 60-day comment period.
• National Register Nomination – Lustron House, Manor Drive: The board reviewed a nomination submitted by the State Historic Preservation Office for a 1949 prefabricated all-steel Lustron house (Westchester Deluxe model). The house is one of only two remaining in Syracuse, and staff expressed full support. Board members commented on the house's condition and historical significance as an early modular home addressing post-war housing. The board will transmit its supportive comments to SHPO.
• Board Training: Staff announced a CLG grant to fund training sessions, including four online webinars from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, a history of Syracuse from OHA, and a training on the local preservation ordinance. Board members were asked to review course offerings and provide preferences.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes of October 9, 2025.
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness CA-25-36 for 120 Windsor Place with light gray doors with windows (unanimous).
• Discussed opposition to proposed zoning amendment; staff will continue to monitor and provide opportunities for comment.
• Supported the National Register nomination for the Lustron house; comments will be sent to SHPO.
• Planned upcoming board training sessions; details to be finalized.