York HDC Clears Demolition, Continues Woodbridge Road Project Review

The York Historic District Commission voted on October 6, 2026 to allow demolition of a house at 10 Bald Head Cliff Road, finding it lacks historic or architectural significance. The commission also continued conceptual review of a proposed four-building commercial and residential development at 7 Woodbridge Road, asking the applicant for more detail on materials and design, and scheduled a tentative follow-up meeting for October 20.

Key points

• The commission voted unanimously (LaPre, Covino, and Chair Stevens) that the application for 10 Bald Head Cliff Road was complete, then voted to find the structure lacks historic or architectural significance, so no demolition delay applies.
• Commissioner Covino recused himself from the 7 Woodbridge Road application, leaving the commission without a quorum to act on it.
• The commission discussed the Woodbridge Road project conceptually, with members raising concerns about compatibility with the village historic district, visibility from Long Sands Road, exterior materials, and lighting.
• The applicant, James Paolini, joined by his brother Jeffrey Paolini, said the project needs first-floor commercial space under zoning and described design elements drawn from existing village buildings.
• Chair Stevens asked the applicant to submit the full Planning Board application, material samples, and labeled views in advance of the next meeting.
• No members of the public spoke during the public hearing on the demolition application or the Woodbridge Road discussion.

Next steps

• The commission tentatively scheduled a follow-up meeting on the Woodbridge Road application for October 20 at 5:30 p.m., pending room availability and Commissioner Don Rose's attendance.
• The applicant was asked to submit the full Planning Board application, exterior material brochures, and labeled or simulated views before the next meeting.
• The commission will issue a written finding of fact on the 10 Bald Head Cliff Road demolition decision within the week.
• Chair Stevens said he may review the recording of a recent Select Board meeting where residents raised concerns about the village intersection project and tree removal.

Read the full transcript