HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-10 - Planning Board Meeting Minutes Approved: 12/12/13
Village of R-ye Brook
PLANNING BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
Thursday October 10, 2013 - 8:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
MINUTES
Review of. January 3, 2013 and March 14, 2013 minutes
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Consideration of a Site Plan Application by Steven Marchesani on behalf of Paul
Cuzzupoli to construct a new single family residence at 7 Lincoln Avenue, Rye Brook,
NY, ParcelI.D. 135.74-1-4
• Consideration of a Resolution
CONTINUED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
2. Consideration of a Site Plan Application and a Special Use Permit Application by Linda
Seltman to legalize a professional office at 561 Westchester Ave, Rye Brook,NY,
Parcel I.D. 135.82-1-11.
• Consideration of a Report and Recommendation
3. Discussion of a Local Law referral from the Board of Trustees regarding amendments to
Chapters 8 and 209 of the Village Code regarding site plan review for one-family
dwellings.
• Consideration of a Report and Recommendation
PRESENT
BOARD Mr. Domenic Accurso
Mr. JohnGrzan
Mr. Bill Laufer
Mrs. Amy Schoen
Chairman Gary Zuckerman
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Rye Brook Planning Board
October 10,2013
EXCUSED Mr. Robert Goodman
Mr. Dan Tartaglia
STAFF Mrs. Jennifer Gray, Village Counsel
Mrs. Marilyn Timpone-Mohamed, Village Planning Consultant
Mr. Mike Nowak, Jr.. Village Engineer/Superintendent of Public
Works
Ms. Shari Melillo, Planning Board Secretary
Chairman Zuckerman opened the meeting by asking everyone to join him in the Pledge
of Allegiance. He then introduced the Board members and the Village Staff to the
audience and explained the rules of procedure for the meeting. Additionally, Chairman
Zuckerman made note for the public that the complete set of the Planning Board Rules of
Procedure can be found on the Village's website as well as streaming video of the
Planning Board meetings.
MINUTES
Review of the January 3, 2013 and March 14, 2013 minutes.
There being no comments or corrections, Chairman Zuckerman called for a motion and
on a motion made by Mrs. Schoen and seconded by Mr. Grzan, Mr. Nowak called the
roll, and the minutes were approved:
MR. ACCURSO YES
MR. GOODMAN ABSENT
MR. GRZAN YES
MR. LAUFER YES
MRS. SCHOEN YES
MR. TARTAGLIA ABSENT
CHAIRMAN ZUCKERMAN YES
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Consideration of a Site Plan Application by Steven Marchesani on behalf of Paul
Cuzzapoli to construct a new single family residence at 7 Lincoln Avenue, Rye
Brook, NY, Parcel I.D. 135.74-1-4
Consideration of a Resolution
On a motion made by Mrs. Schoen and seconded by Mr. Laufer, Mr. Nowak called the
roll and the Public Hearing was opened:
MR. ACCURSO YES
MR. GOODMAN ABSENT
MR. GRZAN YES
MR. LAUFER YES
MRS. SCHOEN YES
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Rye Brook Planning Board
October 10,2013
MR. TARTAGLIA ABSENT
CHAIRMAN ZUCKERMAN YES
Mr. Marchesani addressed the Board and gave a brief overview of the proposed
application noting that a Topographic Survey was provided as requested, along with the
storm water management plan.
Mrs. Timpone-Mohamed added that while the applicant has provided the survey, it is
not signed or sealed. She stated that the remainder of the issues from her last memo was
addressed.
Mr. Nowak added that the architect provided an Engineering Report showing that
percolation tests were performed, and the proposed storm water management plan is
capable of handling a 25-year storm.
Mr. Accurso asked about a notation in a previous memorandum from the Village
Engineer regarding the possibility of ahigh water table in the location of the property
and the proposed dry wells. Mr. Nowak responded that according to the calculations in
the report, the storm water facilities would be able to handle run-off from the house,
porch, driveway and deck. The system proposed is an infiltrator system that operates in
the same way as a Cultec system. There are 10 units being installed to handle the storm
water run-off. The percolation test-holes were dug to 24 inches and the results of the
test did not indicate a high water table in the area tested.
Mr. Accurso stated his concern because should the applicant have a problem with water
in the basement of the new home, and a sump pump is installed, he wondered where
the pumped water would be discharged. Mr. Nowak responded that the applicant would
have to address any future basement flooding with additional drywells. He also advised
that if a high water table is present, it would be evident, during the footing inspection
and the condition could be dealt with at that time. Mr. Accurso stated his concern that a
sump pump may, in future be connected to the sanitary sewer line, which is illegal.
Chairman Zuckerman suggested that Mr. Nowak speak to the Building Inspector and
advise him of the concerns discussed at the meeting, which may be worked out with Mr.
Marchesani.
Mr. Grzan stated that he would like the record to state that the applicant complied with
all requests and resolved the issues, and it is his opinion that the application was now
complete.
There being no further discussion, on a motion made by Mrs. Schoen and seconded by
Mr. Laufer, Mr. Nowak called the roll, and the Public Hearing was closed:
MR. ACCURSO YES
MR. GOODMAN ABSENT
MR. GRZAN YES
MR. LAUFER YES
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Rye Brook Planning Board
October 10,2013
MRS. SCHOEN YES
MR. TARTAGLIA ABSENT
CHAIRMAN ZUCKERMAN YES
Chairman Zuckerman asked the Board if there was a consensus to act on the application
at that time. There was a unanimous voice vote to move the application forward, and
Chairman Zuckerman asked Mrs. Gray to read the draft resolution.
Mrs. Gray read the resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING A SITE PLAN TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY
DWELLING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING AT
PROPERTY LOCATED AT
7 LINCOLN AVENUE
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK PLANNING BOARD
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephen Marchesani, Architect, ("Applicant") submitted an application
on behalf of property owner Mr. Paul Cuzzupoli, ("Property Owner") for approval of a site plan
to demolish an existing single family dwelling and construct a new single family dwelling on
property located at 7 Lincoln Avenue, in the R-10 and the Lincoln Avenue Scenic Roads Overlay
District zoning districts, designated as Section 135.74, Block 1, Lot 4 on the Town of Rye Tax
Assessor's Map; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board reviewed the following plans and application materials:
1. Exterior Building Application
2. Building Permit Checklist and Zoning Analysis
3. Site Plan Application and Checklist
4. Short Environmental Assessment Form
5. Survey, prepared by Kulhanek and Plan, P.C., Pound Ridge, N.Y., dated November 8,
2012
6. Topographic Survey, prepared by The Munson Company, Elmsford, N.Y., dated
September 30, 2013
7. Architect's Plans, prepared by Stephen Marchesani, Registered Architect, Purchase,
N.Y.:
Sheet Number Sheet Title Dated
C1 Zoning Analysis 7/22/13
C2 Site Plan 7/22/13
C3 Landscape Plan 7/22/13
Al Front Elevation 7/22/13
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Rye Brook Planning Board
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A2 Foundation Plan 7/22/13
A3 First Floor Plan 7/22/13
A4 Second Floor Plan 7/22/13
A5 Elevations 7/22/13
A6 Elevation 7/22/13; and
WHEREAS, on September 19, 2013 the Planning Board, pursuant to the State
Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), determined the proposed action to be a Type II
Action requiring no additional review under SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, on September 19, 2013, after reviewing the recommendation of the Village
Engineer/Superintendent of Public Works dated September 18, 2013, the Applicant's request for
a waiver from the requirement for the submittal of a topographic survey was denied; and
WHEREAS, on October 10, 2013, the Planning Board opened a public hearing on the
subject application, at which time all persons interested were given an opportunity to speak on
behalf of or in opposition to said application, and the Planning Board closed the public hearing
on October 10, 2013, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the stated purpose of the Scenic Roads Overlay District, as set forth at Section
250-7(F)(1) of the Village of Rye Brook Zoning Code is "...preserving the Village of Rye Brook's
historic resources, stone walls, natural features and views from its roadways and other public areas
by guiding new development away from those areas and onto lands which are not as scenic and
historically significant. The view experienced from these areas contributes significantly to the
overall rural character of the Village, an attribute the community seeks to preserve and enhance
while accommodating growth and change;" and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Village of Rye Brook Zoning Code §250-7(F)(6)(a) the Planning
Board must consider the existing scenic character of the Lincoln Avenue corridor in the vicinity of
the subject property to determine whether or not the proposed development is architecturally
compatible with any surrounding structures, and whether or not the important scenic and natural
features will be preserved if the proposed dwelling is constructed; and
WHEREAS, the Village Planning Consultant, Village staff and the Planning Board
reviewed the information and submitted comments regarding the application; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board is familiar with the site and all aspects of the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Rye Brook Planning
Board hereby finds that the proposed single family dwelling will not adversely affect the visual
resources of the Lincoln Avenue Scenic Road Overlay District and does preserve the existing
scenic character of the Lincoln Avenue corridor because it is architecturally compatible with the
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Rye Brook Planning Board
October 10,2013
surrounding area, and hereby approves the site plan referenced herein to demolish an existing
single family dwelling and construct a new single family dwelling located at 7 Lincoln Avenue.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no permits shall be issued until the Applicant has
paid to the Village all applicable fees and professional review fees incurred in connection with
review of this Application.
On a motion made by Mrs. Schoen and seconded by Mr. Grzan, Mr. Nowak called the
roll, and the site plan was approved:
MR. ACCURSO YES
MR. GOODMAN ABSENT
MR. GRZAN YES
MR. LAUFER YES
MRS. SCHOEN YES
MR. TARTAGLIA ABSENT
CHAIRMAN ZUCKERMAN YES
NEW BUSINESS
2. Consideration of a Site Plan Application and a Special Use Permit Application by
Linda Seltman to legalize a professional office at 561 Westchester Ave, Rye Brook,
NY, ParcelI.D. 135.82-1-11
• Consideration of a Report and Recommendation
Mr. Demetrios Adamis, Esq. addressed the Board on behalf of the applicant and gave an
overview of the application. The professional office is an accounting and bookkeeping
service, and the building also has two apartments. The applicant owns and operates the
professional office and lives in one of the apartments. The attic floor and the basement
are used only for storage. The exterior of the building has remained unchanged since it
was originally constructed. When the applicant purchased the property four businesses
were in operation in the building. The owner received a use variance because only two
businesses were allowed at that time. Sometime later the first floor was converted to an
apartment. The current office space is a simple open room with no waiting area and it
operates 5 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays during tax season from 10
am to 3 pm. The applicant is the sole employee, except for a seasonal employee during
income tax time. The existing parking area has 7 parking spaces, which the applicant
believes is adequate for the uses currently on the property; however, eight parking
spaces are required by the Village Code. Mr. Adamis provided an updated site plan that
shows an eighth parking space in what is currently an area of lawn. The applicant
requested that the eighth parking space be approved as shown, but also requested that it
is land banked until such time as it may be needed.
Mrs. Gray noted that the Town of Rye Existing Conditions Map and tax records show
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Rye Brook Planning Board
October 10,2013
that the house and the detached garage were built prior to the adoption of the Town of
Rye's first Zoning Code. She went on to say that there is a legal significance to the
construction date because a provision of the R2-F District includes a list of additional
requirements for the conversion of a one-family dwelling to a two-family dwelling if
the structure existed prior to the adoption of the 1931 Zoning Code. Mr. Izzo issued a
second zoning analysis memo in which he provides comments for the latest plan he
reviewed that includes the land banked parking space. The new memo includes the
comment that the area of the potential additional impervious surface coverage should
be calculated and shown on the plans. In addition, to legalize the existing apartments,
the applicant must submit a full set of floor plans and elevation drawings for review to
determine compliance with Section 250-25 L 2 of the Village Code.
Chairman Zuckerman advised Mr. Adamis that the site plan review, requested plans,
and the additional impervious surface calculations are the remaining open issues.
After further discussion regarding the additional parking space, Chairman Zuckerman
adjourned the application to the November 14, 2013 meeting to provide time for Mr.
Adamis to meet with the Building Inspector and Mr. Nowak to resolve the open issues
just discussed.
3. Discussion of a Local Law referral from the Board of Trustees regarding
amendments to Chapters 8 and 209 of the Village Code regarding site plan review
for one-family dwellings
• Consideration of a Report and Recommendation
Chairman Zuckerman explained that the draft amendments to the Village Code in the local
law would eliminate site plan review by the Planning Board for applications that involve
expansions of single family homes that exceed the "50% rule"when the proposed project
does not require any variances. He reminded the Board that it reviewed the local law at the
last meeting, and that Mrs. Gray revised the draft local law according to the discussion at the
last meeting to include two-family homes in the amendments and clarify language.
Mr. Grzan voiced his belief that the proposed amendments would set aside the planning
process for alterations to the homes that would no longer come before the Planning Board.
He had particular concern regarding storm water issues that commonly are part of such
applications and how storm water issues would be resolved.
Mr. Nowak explained that storm water issues and storm water management would be
handled by administrative review in the Public Works and Engineering Departments.
Mr. Grzan responded that tree preservation and storm water management are, in his mind, the
two big issues that benefit from review by the Planning Board even if they would otherwise
be reviewed by the Village staff.
Mr. Laufer agreed with Mr. Grzan, in that there would not be the checks and balances that
exist now when the Planning Board also reviews single and two-family alteration
applications.
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Rye Brook Planning Board
October 10,2013
Chairman Zuckerman stated his belief that the Building, Engineering, and Public Works
Departments are capable of handling all the issues that come up when reviewing
modifications to single and two-family site plans. Mr. Laufer and Mr. Grzan agreed, but
stated their belief that the Planning Board is important to the process.
The Chairman noted that there were two members from the Board who were absent and
adjourned a vote on the report and recommendations until November 14, 2013 when
additional members of the Board would be present.
Board members objected to the Chairman's request to add to the Agenda the potential
change of the starting time for Planning Board meetings to 7:30 PM. Chairman Zuckerman
stated that the matter will therefore be included as a regular item on the November 14, 2013
agenda.
On a motion made by Mrs. Schoen and seconded by Mr. Grzan, the meeting was adjourned
at 9:04 pm by unanimous voice vote.
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