Terraces History

    The Terraces on the Sound was established in 1930 by Dr. Sidney Ormond Goldan, a medical doctor and philanthropist. An 1896 graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, he practiced medicine in New York City for 48 years and was highly regarded for his commitment to varied charitable causes. The Terraces community grew from Dr. Goldan’s vision to create a summer haven for medical professionals–a quiet retreat where doctors and nurses could escape from the pressures of their professional lives. As a first step toward his vision, he purchased the land that is now the Terraces, and built his own retirement home on the property. Unfortunately, due to illness and financial setbacks, he was forced to sell his remaining holdings in 1942.

Soon afterward (and with Dr. Goldan’s endorsement) property owners decided to establish a corporation, to ensure the community would continue. On September 6, 1943, they formed “Terraces-on-the-Sound Property Owners Association, Inc.” Some 70 homeowners became stockholders of the new corporation by contributing $100 to purchase rights to the roads, beach access ramp, and other parcels of land within the community. The Terraces continues to own these assets.

To honor Dr. Goldan’s memory, the Association voted to rename the Plaza at the top of Longview Avenue, “Goldan Plaza”, in 1956. A dedication ceremony, presided over by our first President, was held at the Plaza, and a plaque was placed at the foot of the flag pole.

Over a period of more than five decades, the community grew at a modest pace. The bylaws and operation provisions established by the original Property Owners Association were modified several times over the years to reflect changing times. In 2013, a complete overhaul of the Terraces Bylaws and Rules & Regulations was adopted by the Board of Directors and property owners.