Editor,
I have always believed Warwick values its history and historic buildings……but, a zoning change to a parcel of land and house, on High Street and just outside of the historic district, has now put that house in peril.
The building at 37 High St. is well over 170 years old and is part of what was the heart of Warwick. Present day Lewis Park, where the Old School Baptist Church is located, was once the village green of Warwick. The surrounding streets contained houses and businesses from which our town grew. Only after the railroad came to Warwick, did the center of town move away from the town green. For many years, 37 High St. was the home of Joe and Nancy Kosior and family. Joe was a former fire chief in Warwick and many residents remember seeing Nancy all over town, during her long walks.
Yes, the building is not historically significant, nor did anyone famous live there, but, it is part of the fabric of Warwick. Its scale and style fits that of High St. Even though the house is just a one step outside of the historic district, it deserves respect. We have already lost other buildings on High St. to have them replaced with large commercial buildings.
The Warwick Zoning Board has approved (even after protestations from neighbors) a petition, from the present owners, for a zoning change regarding a setback variance to allow the house to be razed and another building to fill over three quarters of the lot.
The proposed new structure will be a three story, 35 feet high brick structure with modern style- reminiscent of an updated Baltimore row house. How does this fit into the style and scale of High St. and of the historic district? How does this add to the neighborhood?
NIEL DE MARINO
This house is located at 37 High St. in the Village of Warwick.
