Dobbs Ferry planning board reviews windows, storefront and brick choices for 96 and 98 Main Street

Patty Steinstetter, of Gotham Design, presented revisions for 96 and 98 Main Street, saying the project team set the windows back with distinct trim to preserve the shadow lines that “make windows look good.” She told the board that the windows are European tilt-in units rather than traditional double-hung sashes and that the detailing was intended to avoid the appearance of two large panes.

The board focused on storefront treatment and exterior materials. Steinstetter said the team proposed two approaches: use a painted wood panel on 96 and leave the brick at 98, or select two different bricks so each building reads as separate but complementary. She said the brick shown in the elevation “was awful” in real life and that the team brought darker and redder samples for the board to compare.

Board members examined samples and offered preferences. One member said the darker brick paired with an "Old Glory" faded-red brick looked more interesting; another cautioned that too-similar bricks could appear as one building merely painted a different color. The chair observed that the darker-brick option better matched neighboring roof materials and that he was “prepared to vote for this combination” if the application materials were revised.

Practical next steps were set: the applicant will submit amended plans that reflect the selected materials and a revised resolution for the board to vote on at the next meeting. The chair asked staff to ensure the resolution references the final plan set; Steinstetter agreed to deliver samples and updated drawings for staff review.

The board had no outstanding concerns about the revised window section; one member noted the submitted section showed adequate shadowing and detail. The item was left open for action at the April meeting, with the applicant instructed to submit the amended plans to the building department.