Community rallies against towering structure threatening historic village skyline

Residents of Corbett Village voiced strong opposition during a recent Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) meeting regarding a controversial building project proposed by the Costas family. The structure, which has been under scrutiny for over a year, is criticized for its excessive height and scale, which many argue disrupts the historic character of the village.

Christina Altman, a local resident, highlighted the ongoing struggle against the building, which was reportedly constructed without proper approvals. She emphasized that the current height of 19 feet 7 inches is out of scale with neighboring historic structures and suggested that the LPC should enforce its own guidelines by potentially eliminating the second floor entirely. Altman also criticized the architectural renderings provided by the Costas, claiming they misrepresent the building's true size.

John McFarland, another neighbor, echoed these concerns, pointing out that the design includes a large deck that contributes to the building's unacceptable height. He argued that the LPC should not compromise on the standards set for historic preservation.

Barbara McFarland reiterated that this was the fourth meeting addressing the issue, and despite previous recommendations from the LPC's technical committee to reduce the building's footprint and height, the latest plans remain unchanged. She urged the commission to consider whether the current proposal would be approved if construction had not already begun, questioning the implications of allowing such deviations from established regulations.

The LPC is now faced with the challenge of balancing community concerns with the Costas family's desires, as residents fear that a compromise could set a troubling precedent for future developments in the area. The commission's decision will be pivotal in determining the future of this contentious project and its impact on the village's historic landscape.