Woodcliff Manor has been marked for demolition. Help us create a future for Irvington that honors it
An out-of-state developer, the Varma Development Corporation, better known as "Big Varma," is planning to purchase and demolish Woodcliff Manor, the historic Morgan family mansion at 76 North Broadway. According to Irvington's own conservation architect Joseph Pell Lombardi, the original house probably was built at the end 18th century; then altered by George Morgan in the mid-1800s. Big Varma plans to replace the beautifully restored mansion with a massive, industrial-looking apartment complex entirely out of character with our village’s unique architecture and spirit. We must act now. The Village Planning Board is poised to greenlight this project despite our zoning laws and vehement opposition from residents. Our goal is simple: Stop Big Varma.
This amazingly preserved historic home is about to be stolen from us
George Denison Morgan was one of Irvington’s founders and earliest estate owners. He was brother-in-law to US Navy Secretary Gideon Welles and a close relative of the legendary financier J.P. Morgan. George Morgan was already living at Woodcliff when Irvington first existed as the hamlet of Dearman in 1850. To honor their neighbor Washington Irving, in 1854 George Morgan and another prominent resident arranged to change the name of Dearman’s local post office and train station to “Irvington." The Village was incorporated as Irvington in 1872. And one more fun fact - while George and J.P. Morgan were swapping estates one summer, J.P. Morgan's son, J.P. Jr. was born at this very Irvington mansion on Sept. 7, 1867.
It is undeniably rich in local and national history.
Here's what's at stake
An oversized, ugly square box
Destruction of our stone walls
An oversized, ugly square box
The Morgan's famous home, a pillar of Irvington before Irvington existed, will be replaced by a 50+ unit apartment building and day care center. The boring, industrial style clashes with the surrounding historic residential architecture and the development will be a permanent eyesore for residents and visitors.
Traffic chaos
Destruction of our stone walls
An oversized, ugly square box
We already know how bad traffic is in and around the property's North Broadway location. Future plans to reduce this section of roadway down to one lane in each direction will make it worse. Now add a new stoplight and several hundred daily trips in and out of the new property.
It's a traffic nightmare.
Destruction of our stone walls
Destruction of our stone walls
Destruction of our stone walls
Since the 1700's, hand built stone walls have been a hallmark of Westchester County's visual history. Irvington has strict guidance around protecting our own stone walls along Broadway. Varma Development seeks to destroy sections of these in order to build something that voters haven't approved, just so they can maximize their profits.
Zero respect for our community
Big Varma is already demonstrating it does not care about Irvington’s architecture, character, or history. It only cares about one thing: maximizing profit. This project does not belong in a historic residential neighborhood.
The truth about the Village Trustees' promise
What they said
In a motion that was passed by the Irvington Village Trustees, they agreed to commit to preserving the orginal Woodcliff Mansion as well as our stone walls. Now they are going back on their word.
What they did
Instead of an open and transparent process, the Village Planning Board and Village Trustees have been conspiring for almost two years to greenlight this oversized and out-of-character development. While not a exactly a secret, the Planning Board and Trustees do not want us to review, discuss, or officially lodge our complaints. Big Varma's application has been under review for more than 18 months, but the Village Administrator called our concerns "premature," and stated that our building inspector “will render a decision at the appropriate time.” We're challenging threshold issues and the "appropriate time" was at the beginning of the process. A decision must be rendered now to end the waste of Village resources.
What's next
A lawsuit has been filed to force the Village Trustees to allow residents to challenge the legality of the project and the Village's refusal to apply the appropriate traffic standards. A petition has been created and residents who want to preserve Irvington's history are encouraged to sign. Please contact our Village Mayor, Village Trustees, and the Planning Board to tell them what you think of Big Varma and their plan for Irvington.
How can I help?
Contact the Village!
Email or call the Village Mayor, the Village Trustees the Planning Board and Building Department. Attend the next public meeting and speak your mind. Tell them you stand against Big Varma.
Sign the Petition!
Spread the Word!
Share stopbigvarma.com with your neighbors, friends, and local community groups. E-mail us at stopbigvarma@gmail.com.
Ask for a Lawn Sign!
Send an e-mail to stopbigvarma.com if you're interested in a lawn sign.
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