Pine Brook Association Relishes 58-Year History
of Unique Architecture & Advocacy

Published in The Larchmont Gazette, Ned Benton, October 20, 2004

Bird's eye view of Pine Brook: from the Library of Congress Memory Project.

"Hills, dales, winding streets, and houses snuggled into the landscape," said Village of Larchmont historian Judith Doolin Spikes as she described the early development of the area for members of the Pine Brook Neighborhood Association at their annual meeting on Tuesday, October 19. The association, usually focused on fending off encroachments by big-box stores, developments, unruly autos or periodic floods, dedicated the 2004 annual meeting to a look-back at the history of the area.

Mayhew Avenue, Larchmont Park: courtesy of the Larchmont Historical Society.

The association's boundaries, which go west from Larchmont Avenue to New Rochelle and north from the Post Road to Palmer Avenue, encompass a territory with a rich history, Ms. Spikes recounted.

The members heard about the initial development of the area in the early 1900's, along with grand visions that included the Larchmont Park Country Club, two mysterious lakes, "Glen Lake" and " Turtle Lake," and an artificial version of the Pine Brook that flowed above the real brook that was buried as part of a depression-era flood control project. When Palmer Avenue was cut through to New Rochelle, the lakes and the country club disappeared, leaving few traces.

Bassi Frêres Nursery operated across from today's Tony's Nursery.
Photo courtesy of Larchmont Historical Society.

Architectural historian Ellen Washburn Martin then introduced the eclectic range of house styles in the area: Shingle, Dutch Colonial, Arts & Crafts, Prairie, California Bungalow, Colonial Revival, Tudor, Spanish Eclectic and, most recently, the post WWII Ranch. Presenting examples of each style, Ms. Martin encouraged the members to appreciate the special character of the Pine Brook area with its eclectic and whimsical house designs, the curving and naturalistic streets, and the multiple uses of stone.

The association’s counsel and long-time Pine Brook resident, Ralph Engel, wrapped up the evening with a historical overview of the neighborhood’s challenges and initiatives. Since its founding in 1946, the group has worked to rein in initial plans for a much larger Pine Ridge development than was ultimately built, called for landscaping at the Acura dealership, addressed needs for improved street lighting and traffic control, fought to keep Chatsworth Avenue School open when a demographer said it wasn't going to be needed, and focused on problems with flooding and a proposed IKEA project. Currently, the association is concerned with the Forest City Daly apartment project under consideration for the Town of Mamaroneck. Mr. Engel suggested that the next challenge might involve reassessment of property tax valuations.

Members of the Association Board along with Village Trustee Mike Wiener enjoy their annual cake at the 2004 picnic: Bruce Macfarlane, Trustee Wiener, Ralph Engel, Sandy Constabile & Jay Fischer.

One of the most active neighborhood associations in the area, the current membership includes over 150 families and is open to all residents who own or rent property within the PIne Brook boundaries. Each year the association holds a picnic in early September, which serves to introduce newcomers to long-timers and provides games and activities for the children. "I want people to realize that the association is fun - in addition to providing advocacy for our members," said Sandy Constabile, one of the two co-presidents. "We welcome new members; it's only $10 dollars to join," she added.

Association Co-President Jere Dieck enjoys a laugh with Mayor Ken Bialo.

The neighborhood kids prepare for their tug of war.