NEWS: Plans approved for Bedell House in Tottenville
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Builder gets OK to restore 19th-century Tottenville home
Developer looks to renovate same landmark he defaced in fit of rage last year
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
By KAREN O’SHEAADVANCE STAFF WRITER
The Landmarks Preservation Commission yesterday approved a builder’s plan to restore the same 19th-century Tottenville house he defaced and nearly destroyed last year, when he spray-painted the building with graffiti in a fit of rage over potential landmarking.
Developer John Grossi still needs approval from City Planning and the Buildings Department to construct four historic-looking townhouses behind the landmark, which he will move on the lot and completely refurbish as part of the site plan approved yesterday, but the critical Landmarks vote signaled that the city and the sometimes-volatile developer finally had agreed on a way to restore the battered Amboy Road house — and that Tottenville can breathe a sigh of relief.
It was a far different atmosphere from a Landmarks meeting in March, when Grossi and a representative for the mayor got into a shouting match before the builder’s presentation.
Yesterday, Grossi replaced jeans and sneakers with a dark navy suit. He brought a revised plan addressing the commissioners’ concerns, including a promise to move the house closer to Brighton Street — something he had resisted doing in the past.