Yorktown Adopts Protection Agreement with Underhill Farm Owner
February 22, 2024 – The Town Board adopted an agreement on Tuesday that will protect historic elements of the Underhill Farm property.
The resolution to authorize a restrictive covenant commits Underhill Soundview LLC, the owner, to submit plans for the rehabilitation of the Italianate-style main building and create a historic exhibit about the Underhill Estate that must be displayed in a publicly accessible location.
The developer and Town Board worked toward a resolution that offered protection for the property while upholding the property owner's rights. The result is a compromise ensuring that the features of the property will remain intact and incorporated into the project. The covenant forbids the demolition of the main building or alterations to surrounding vegetation, a pond and an iron entry gate without the approval of the Town Board.
The Town Board adopted the resolution after it unanimously rejected on February 6 a proposal to designate the property as a historic landmark, citing private property rights. Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman said the covenant accomplishes the landmarking proponents’ goals.
“This decision was well-reasoned and protects the key features that most people know and want preserved. The covenant gives the Town Board definitive oversight over any deviation from the approved plan,” said Deputy Supervisor Lachterman. “This agreement is a product of an extensive and inclusive public debate that carefully weighed the input from all parties in our community.”
The property has historical significance because it was the property of Abraham and Edward B. Underhill, who contributed to the agricultural and economic development of Yorktown in the 19th century. The property was last occupied by the Soundview Preparatory School, which operated from 1989 until 2020.
Underhill Soundview LLC is preparing to build a mixed-use development at 370 Underhill Avenue consisting of 80 condominium units including: 48 townhouses; a 32-unit 55+ senior restricted condominium building; and a mixed-use building consisting of 68 apartments and 15,600 square feet of retail/office space that includes 8,100 square feet of new retail space in addition to the reuse and preservation of the existing Main Building.
The Underhill Farm property was the subject of a landmark proposal by the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission. Yorktown’s building inspector has recommended that several of the structures on the property are unsafe and should be demolished as soon as possible.
Photo caption: The main house and decorative gates at the Underhill Farm property on February 22, 2024.
