​The directors of Preserve Larchmont are pleased to announce they have reached an agreement with the property owner at 40 Ocean Avenue that will save the historic house in Larchmont Manor known as “The Orchard.”
 
The agreement requires the original house be preserved in its entirety, and no more than two additional houses built on the property.

"We consider this a victory for historical preservation and for the entire community that fought back against the original demolition plan," says Cannon Campbell, Preserve Larchmont Board member. "I hope we can continue to find ways in Larchmont to develop a better balance between development and preservation of our environment and historic homes. So many of us moved here because of the beautiful homes and beautiful trees, but sometimes these things are taken for granted and are worth fighting for."

The original development plan by KOSL Building Group sparked community outrage by calling for the demolition of the historical house and subdivision of the property into four lots to make room for four McMansions.  The historical house was built in the late 1800’s and designed by a locally significant architect, Frank Ashburn Moore, who also completed important civic structures, such as Village Hall and Larchmont Public Library.  The NY State Historic Preservation Office has determined the house to be eligible for listing on the National Register. 
 
The agreement reached is between members of the Preserve Larchmont Board and 40 Ocean Properties LLC, only. It does not bind any other member of Preserve Larchmont, neighbors, members of the public, or have any effect on any Village boards, such as the Planning and Zoning Boards, and the Architectural Review Board. The Village was not involved in the negotiation of this agreement between the Preserve Larchmont
Board and 40 Ocean Properties LLC.
 
The next step is that the developer will need to submit a new subdivision application, one that preserves the existing house and proposes two additional houses only, to be reviewed by the relevant Village boards just as any other application, in a series of public meetings.
 
The demolition plan by KOSL Building Group has faced opposition for over three years from community members and neighbors.  Preserve Larchmont led the effort to voice concerns over the community’s loss of the historic home and overdevelopment, as well other environmental concerns, such as flooding, raised by a project of this scope in the heart of the Larchmont Manor and one block from Long Island Sound.
Concern about overdevelopment in Larchmont led the Village of Larchmont in 2017 to enact new zoning laws aimed at curbing overbuilding and limiting demolitions and subdivisions where appropriate.

“We are pleased and proud that we have been able to save the original house,” says Stacy Caffery, a member of the Preserve Larchmont Board, “and hope in consultation with neighbors and other members of the community, the developer can finalize a plan that respects the interests of our community, its aesthetics and its history.”
 
Preserve Larchmont is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve the Village of Larchmont’s unique history, character and charm, including its waterfront, water views and green spaces; and to balance responsible development against further strain on the local environment, public infrastructure, schools and services.

​Preserve Larchmont worked with Bayard residents reviewing the 15 Bayard developer’s plan to replace the current  1648 square foot home with a 3600 square foot property. 

PL voiced concern that misuse of zoning law could result in a 5,000 square foot property.

PL supported concerned Bayard residents stating the plan called for a bulky building that was too large for its lot and not in keeping with the size of other homes in the neighborhood. 

Thankfully the Planning Board, working in partnership with Village Parks and Tress Committee is requesting a plan for 15 Bayard that is more modest and in keeping with the neighborhood. And they agree requiring the revised plan maintains a healthy beautiful tree that would have been removed had the developer‘s plan been approved.

PL continues to support responsible development to maintain the unique characteristics and natural beauty of Larchmont  and to reducing the negative impact of overbuilding which is not consistent with the village.

​April 17 special session regarding 40 Ocean resulted with the Board casting an important majority vote declaring that demolition of the house and development of the property could have a significant impact on historic and archeological resources and on consistency of community character. The Board also issued a declaration under the Environmental Assessment Form requiring the applicant to prepare a full Environmental Impact Statement. When prepared, this EIS will be available to the public.

Preservation takes Perseverance.  Your continued support and donations are critically important to the historic and natural beauty of our village.

​Next Special Planning Board Meeting for 40 Ocean is Tuesday April 17 at 7 pm in Village Center (behind Library)           

Considerations regarding impact should there be demolition include Historic Significance, Archeological Resources, Tree Removal and Consistency with Community Character.

Please JOIN us!

Dear Neighbors,

As many of you know, our schools are in the midst of an overcrowding crisis. Short-term solutions are being proposed which would negatively impact many in our community.  As we work together to try to convince our School Board to consider alternative short-term solutions, we also need to look to develop longer term solutions. 

We are asking our Village and Town governments to impose a Moratorium on any additional housing units being approved or built in our District until a full study is done of the impact of more housing units on our schools.

We must ask our local governments to act NOW and impose a moratorium on both approvals and building for all subdivisions and additional housing units.  Please make your voice heard and sign our petition, which you can find at:
https://www.gopetition.com/petitions/preserve-our-larchmontmamaroneck-schools-demand-a-moratorium-on-additional-building-in-our-villages-and-town.html

Please donate here. 

Also visit our website, preservelarchmont.org, for more information on our ongoing fight to impact local building and zoning laws.  Fighting for critical changes has, and will continue to, require money to pay our legal fees and planning consultant fees so please consider donating your voice, energy and also funds so we can wage this important fight.  

You can donate to the cause through the donate button on our website. Please also note we are in the process of updating our site to add Preserve Mamaroneck and address overbuilding in Mamaroneck, so check back often for updates.  

For more information or to volunteer, please email preservelarchmontmamaroneck@gmail.com