In our Meet the Boards & Commissions series, MyRye.com will introduce readers to the boards and commissions of the City of Rye and the residents who run them. All volunteers, these residents give their time and expertise to keep our city running. The series is intended to bring visibility to what each board and commission does, its priorities and what might prompt a resident or another person or company to interact with the group.
We have made our best efforts to reach out to each board and commission chairperson directly or via City officials. If you are a board or commission chair and have not been contacted, or if you are a reader with feedback on this series, please get in touch with MyRye.com.
Meet the Board of Architectural Review and its Chair Michael Harrington.
Your Name: Michael Harrington
Board or Commission: Board of Architectural Review (BAR)
Your role: Chair
MyRye.com: What is the charter for your Board?
Harrington: Chapter 53 of the City of Rye Code, titled “Architectural Review,” regulates the design of buildings to prevent excessive uniformity, dissimilarity, or poor quality in the city’s built environment. It establishes a Board of Architectural Review to review plans for new construction or significant alterations to ensure compatibility with neighborhood character.
Looking at 2026, what will be your top initiatives?
Harrington: Continue on the same successful path we have established over many years of consistent reviews and decisions.
Would you be supportive of your meetings being broadcast and recorded by the City for public viewing?
Harrington: The public is welcome to attend our meetings in person.
Are written agendas and written meeting minutes available?
Harrington: Yes, on the board’s page on the city website.
Are your meetings currently recorded?
Harrington: No
What are your key performance indicators (KPIs)?
Harrington: We approve the vast majority of applications that come before us in the first meeting presented. Only a small percentage are continued to additional meetings and very very few are outright rejected. Most applications are respectful and responsive to their neighborhood context. Our “KPI” is preventing those that do not from adversely impacting neighbors, neighborhoods, and the City.
Who is the City Council liaison to your Board for 2026?
Harrington: Keith Cunningham. Continuing.
Tell us about the residents or others you interact with at your Board.
Harrington: The Board of Architectural Review might mostly interact with homeowners planning a renovation and their architect and builder as well as interested neighbors and community members. The BAR is one of the few places in the permitting process where interested residents can see projects presented and discussed in a public forum. While the BAR only reviews and discusses the aesthetics of a project, many residents also show up to voice other concerns including flooding and drainage. Non aesthetic related questions or concerns should be directed to the building department who will route them to the appropriate reviewers, including city engineers who deal with storm water issues.
When was your Board chartered by the City of Rye?
Harrington: I believe April 21, 1965 originally. Not sure 100% but that is what Chapter 53 includes as the original Chapter 53 “Architectural Review” chapter in the City Code. The current chapter was adopted by the City Council in 1987 (which repealed the 1965 version) and was amended in 2022.
Looking back across 2025, what were your board’s top achievements?
Harrington:
- Continuing to keep the City aesthetically pleasing
- Bringing neighbors together to work out their issues amongst themselves.
- Preventing Rye from becoming a community of walled and gated estates.
- Support solar project approvals.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Harrington: Since 2015. Chair since 2021.
Who appointed you to this position, and what year were you appointed?
Harrington: Mayor Joe Sack, 2015.
Besides yourself, who is the longest serving person on your board?
Harrington: Frank Gadaleta.
When does your current appointed term expire?
Harrington: End of this year. 12/31/2026
What is your day job?
Harrington: Former practicing architect (still licensed in NY and FL). Currently I work in corporate strategy, planning, and performance for an international energy company.
How much time does your role require in a typical month?
Harrington: Overall approximately four to six hours per month. But I used to spend a lot more when I was new to the board and we had to review the physical prints of every project. But over the years I have become more efficient and effective with my time here. And the City’s digital technology adoption (all projects are now posted online for review) have significantly cut down on review times. The time per meeting or per month also depends on the upcoming agendas. Meetings last anywhere from 1 to 2+ hours twice a month. Reviewing the agendas and projects, corresponding with board members and/or city staff vary based on the upcoming agendas. Occasional site visits for projects also require time.
If I took you to Jerry’s or Oakland Beach Deli for lunch this week, what would you order?
Harrington: Jerry’s – The Christy on a roll.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Harrington: Soundview Ave since 2014. My wife is a life long Rye resident and 4th generation Rye. My kids are 5th generation Rye.
Thanks Michael!
Learn More:
2024 Profile
Main Board of Architectural Review page on the City website
LinkedIn
Members of the Board of Architectural Review:
Michael Harrington, Chair 12-31-26 (term expires)
Chris Beardsley 12-31-27
Christine Broestl 12-31-26
Frank Gadaleta 12-31-27
Vacant 12-31-25
Louis Rollano 12-31-28
Sid Burke 12-31-26
