HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-08 - Planning Board Meeting Minutes Approved: 7.10.14
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
Planning Board
Regular Meeting
Village Hall, 938 King Street
Thursday, May 8, 2014 — 7:30 p.m.
AGENDA
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: Review of Minutes
PUBLIC HEARING:
1) Consideration of a wetlands permit application and steep slopes permit
application by Reckson Operating Partnership L.P. to construct patios and
walkways at Buildings 1, 2, 4 and 6 International Drive (I 100 King Street)
Rye Brook, NY; Parcel ID #: 124.82-1-1 and 124.81-1-1.
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
2) Consideration of a referral from the Village Board of Trustees for a Site
Plan Amendment by Toll V Limited Partnership (Kingswood) to modify
proposed roadway lighting within the development located at Anderson
Hill Road and King Street, Rye Brook, NY, Parcel ID #: 129.35-1-14
through 129.35-1-14.31.
NEW BUSINESS:
3) Consideration of a Site Plan Application by American Signcrafters on
behalf of xylem/Reckson Operating Partnership, L.P. to construct multiple
signs at 1 International Drive, Rye Brook, NY, Parcel I.D. 124.82-1-1.
Consideration of a Report and Recommendations to the Board of Trustees
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4) Consideration of a referral from the Village Board of Trustees of a Site
Plan Amendment by WinRidge Realty for the Shopping Center located at
100-150 South Ridge Street, 1-34 Rye Ridge Plaza, and 158-204 South
Ridge Street, Rye Brook, New York, Parcel I.D. 141.27-1-7, 141.27-1-6, 141.35-
2-36.
In attendance at the meeting:
BOARD: Robert Goodman
John Grzan
Bill Laufer
Amy Schoen
Dan Tartaglia
Gary Zuckerman, Chairman
Excused: Domenic Accurso, Jr
STAFF: Michael Nowak, Superintendent of Public Works
Marilyn Timpone-Mohamed, Village Planning Consultant
Jennifer Gray, Esq., Village Counsel
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Zuckerman
welcomed everyone to the May 8, 2014 Planning Board meeting. He introduced
the Board, Village Staff and Consultants. He asked that all cell phones be turned
off for the duration of the meeting, and instructed anyone addressing the Board to
do so from the podium. It was noted that information on Planning Board meetings
can be found on the Village's website. This information includes agendas,
documents used by the Planning Board in their deliberation, and streaming videos
of the meetings.
MINUTES: Review of Minutes
Chairman Zuckerman called for the review and approval of the January 2014
Planning Board minutes. Mrs. Schoen noted that there was a discussion regarding
second floor egress in connection with the 561 Westchester Avenue application.
This was also an issue at the Zoning Board of Appeals, and she brought it up
during the discussion of the application towards the end of the meeting, however,
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May 8,2014
Page 2
the summary contained no reference to her comments. The Chairman asked that
Mrs. Marilyn Timpone-Mohamed, Village Consultant, or Attorney Jennifer Gray,
Village Counsel, review the video of the January meeting and insert the missing
information into the summary. With the consensus of the Board, the January
meeting summary was adjourned for further review and amendment.
Chairman Zuckerman called for the public hearing on the agenda.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1) Consideration of a wetlands permit application and steep slopes permit
application by Reckson Operating Partnership L.P. to construct patios and
walkways at Buildings 1, 2, 4 and 6 International Drive (1100 King Street)
Rye Brook, NY; Parcel ID #: 124.82-1-1 and 124.81-1-1.
Chairman Zuckerman noted that Public Notice was not properly given;
therefore the applicant requested adjournment of the matter to the June 12, 2014
meeting.
On a motion made by Ms. Schoen and seconded by Mr. Goodman, Mr. Nowak
called the roll and the matter was adjourned to June, 12, 2014.
Domenic Accurso, Jr. absent
Robert Goodman voting aye
John Grzan voting aye
Bill Laufer voting aye
Amy Schoen voting aye
Daniel Tartaglia voting aye
Gary Zuckerman, Chairman voting aye
The Chairman, with the consensus of the rest of the Board, took the next item out
of order from the agenda:
NEW BUSINESS:
3) Consideration of a referral from the Village Board of Trustees for a
Site Plan Amendment by Toll V Limited Partnership (Kingswood) to
modify proposed roadway lighting within the development located at
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May 8,2014
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Anderson Hill Road and King Street, Rye Brook, NY, Parcel ID #:
129.35-1-14 through 129.35-1-14.31.
Chairman Zuckerman noted that the matter was before the Planning Board at the
March 18th and April 8th meetings. The applicant submitted revised plans.
However, as the plans require further revision the applicant requested that the
matter be adjourned to the June 12, 2014 meeting.
On a motion made by Ms. Schoen and seconded by Mr. Goodman, Mr. Nowak
called the roll, and the matter was adjourned to June 12, 2014:
Domenic Accurso, Jr. absent
Robert Goodman voting aye
John Grzan voting aye
Bill Laufer voting aye
Amy Schoen voting aye
Daniel Tartaglia voting aye
Gary Zuckerman, Chairman voting aye
Chairman Zuckerman returned to the order of the agenda, and called for the next
agenda item:
CONTINUED BUSINESS:
Consideration of a Site Plan Application by American Signcrafters on
behalf of Xylem/Reckson Operating Partnership, L.P. to construct
multiple signs at 1 International Drive, Rye Brook, NY, Parcel I.D. 124.82-
1-1.
Consideration of a Report and Recommendations to the Board of
Trustees.
The representative for the applicant addressed the Board. He presented the Board
with updated plans, and noted that at the last meeting wall signs were proposed
that have been eliminated from the sign plans. Adding a second monument sign
was also discussed; however, the applicant does not want a second monument
sign. The application was revised to request approval of one, non-illuminated
monument sign in the building entrance area.
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May 8,2014
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Mrs. Timpone-Mohamed noted that she sent an email memo to the Chairman
indicating that there are no planning issues related to the proposed monument sign,
which is similar to other monument signs in the office park, is not illuminated and
is not visible from King Street, the Scenic Road. She noted that the Building
Inspector has requested that the applicant submit a sign permit application that is
revised to the current proposed sign.
The Chairman asked Mrs. Gray to read the draft Planning Board report and
recommendations to the Trustees.
PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON THE
SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AT PROPERTY LOCATED AT
1 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE
I. PROJECT OVERVIEW
On January 14, 2014, Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees ("BOT")
referred an application for a Site Plan Amendment to the Village of Rye Brook
Planning Board ("Planning Board") for submission of a Report and
Recommendation. The application was made by American Signcrafters ("Applicant")
on behalf of the owner, Reckson Operating Partnership, L.P., to install a freestanding
monument sign and two building wall signs for a single tenant, Xylem, at property
located at 1 International Drive within the Reckson Executive Park and designated as
Section 124.82, Block 1, Lot 1 on the Town of Rye Tax Map ("Property"). Site Plan
approval is required pursuant to Sections 209-1(B)(8) of the Village Code for an
amendment to a previously approved site plan on nonresidential property.
Reckson Executive Park is located in the OB-1 (Campus/Office Building)
Zoning District and consists of three lots, two of which are improved with office
buildings, an associated access road, parking areas, driveways, pedestrian walkways,
water features, a stormwater basin, and landscaped areas. Three existing buildings are
located on Section 124.81, Block 1, Lot 1, and another three existing buildings,
including the building known as 1 International Drive, are located on Section 124.82,
Block 1, Lot 1.
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May 8,2014
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II. PLANNING BOARD DISCUSSION
The Planning Board reviewed this application at its March 13, 2014 and May
8, 2014 meeting and discussed the February 5, 2014 and March 6, 2014 planning
memoranda, as well as the May 2, 2014 email memorandum from Village Planning
Consultant, Frederick P. Clark Associates. The May 2, 2014 email memorandum
stated that there are no planning issues related to the revised proposal for one, non-
illuminated, ground-mounted sign at the entrance of the subject building.
In the Scenic Roads Overlay District, it is required that alterations "shall be
architecturally compatible with surrounding structures and the important scenic and
natural features of the site shall be preserved." (Village Code 5250-7.F(6)(a)). In
response to concerns from the Planning Board and its Planning Consultant that the
proposed illuminated walls signs may be inappropriate for this area of the hing Street
Scenic Road, the applicant submitted a revised plan which eliminated the proposed
walls signs. As revised, the application requests approval for one, non-illuminated,
ground-mounted sign at the entrance of the subject building, which is not visible
from the King Street Scenic Road and is similar to existing monument signs in the
office park.
The Planning Board also noted that the Building Inspector's December 23,
2013 Zoning Analysis will need to be revised to reflect the new proposed plans. The
Planning Board further noted that the Building Inspector's May 6, 2014
memorandum requested that the applicant submit a revised Sign Permit Application
to allow the Building Inspector to perform the revised zoning analysis.
III. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS
After discussion and consideration of the comments provided by Village
Staff and the Village's Planning Consultant, the Planning Board recommends
approval of the Site Plan Amendment.
There was no additional discussion. Chairman Zuckerman called for a vote on the
draft report and recommendations, and on a motion made by Ms. Schoen and
seconded by Mr. Goodman, Mr. Nowak called the roll, and the draft report and
recommendations was accepted.
Domenic Accurso, Jr. absent
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May 8,2014
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Robert Goodman voting aye
John Grzan voting aye
Bill Laufer voting aye
Amy Schoen voting aye
Daniel Tartaglia voting aye
Gary Zuckerman, Chairman voting aye
The Chairman asked Mrs. Gray to read the resolution referring the Board's report
and recommendations to the Village Trustees:
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF REPORT AND
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK BOARD OF
TRUSTEES ON THE SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AT PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 1 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Board of the Village of Rye Brook adopts
the attached Report and Recommendation to the Village of Rye Brook Board of
Trustees on the application for a Site Plan Amendment for 1 International Drive
and requests the Secretary to the Planning Board forward a copy of the Report to
the Board of Trustees, Village Administrator, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
On a motion made by Ms. Schoen and seconded by Mr. Goodman, Mr. Nowak
called the roll, and the referral resolution was approved.
Domenic Accurso, Jr. absent
Robert Goodman voting aye
John Grzan voting aye
Bill Laufer voting aye
Amy Schoen voting aye
Daniel Tartaglia voting aye
Gary Zuckerman, Chairman voting aye
Chairman Zuckerman called for the final item on the agenda:
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4) Consideration of a referral from the Village Board of Trustees of a
Site Plan Amendment by WinRidge Realty for the Shopping Center
located at 100-150 South Ridge Street, 1-34 Rye Ridge Plaza, and 158-
204 South Ridge Street, Rye Brook, New York, Parcel I.D. 141.27-1-
7, 141.27-1-6, 141.35-2-36.
The applicant's representative, Rich Pearson, P.E., PTOE, from John Meyer
Consulting addressed the Board. He stated that a revised traffic study was
submitted based on comments received from the Village's consultants, staff and
the Planning Board.
Mrs. Timpone-Mohamed noted that she asked clarification from the applicant
regarding changes of use that would be equivalent to restaurant uses. She also
noted that correspondence from the Applicant did not acknowledge that recent
changes to the Village Code had already exempted changes of use that do not
require more parking spaces or require less parking spaces from Board review
under certain circumstances. The last concern was that the calculation of building
floor area used by the applicant should conform to the way building floor area is
calculated in the Village Code. Regarding traffic and parking, most of the
comments asked for additional information or analysis. She reviewed the relevant
comments in her memorandum. She noted that it was their opinion that the South
Shopping Center parking spaces should not be included in the count of available
spaces for the rest of the shopping center since it is highly unlikely that someone
would park in the higher elevation south parking lot to go to a store in the lower-
elevation main shopping center area.
The ratio between commercial and retail uses was discussed. The most recent
review of the shopping center parking capacity was for the SoulCycle change of
use application, which found that a small surplus of parking spaces exists at
certain times.
Mr. Tartaglia pointed out that there are offices, medical offices, restaurants, retail
establishments, and a bank in the shopping center. He asked for traffic counts
when the Middle school lets out and parents drive to the school, stopping on
Bowman Avenue to pick up children. He also questioned whether or not there
was a way to stop drivers from zipping through the shopping center to avoid
Bowman Avenue and Ridge Street traffic. He was not sure that there was a
solution, but asked that the issue be reviewed, and that the Rye Brook/Port Chester
school district be included in the discussion. It was noted that most of the children
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May 8,2014
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walking home from school walk towards the BowmanAvenue/Ridge Street
intersection.
Attorney Gray noted that using the shopping center as a short cut is a traffic
violation that can be addressed through police enforcement. The issue of stopping
traffic to drop-off or pick up children can also be addressed by police enforcement.
Mr. Tartaglia noted that the concept behind the change of use site plan amendment
is to streamline the review process, and protect the children walking the area
streets.
Mr. Tartaglia noted that the shopping center has worked hard to keep the center's
trash handling area clean and in good order.. He noted that the area always seems
very full, and he questioned whether it has the capacity to hold the additional
garbage from more restaurants. The applicant answered that there is excess
capacity to handle more trash as the trash can be picked up and taken away more
often.
Peter Stahl of WinRidge Realty noted that equivalent uses would be uses that have
the same or lower parking requirements.
Mr. Grzan stated that he reviewed the parking and traffic studies. Mr. Laufer
noted that he was concerned about increased traffic around the time that school
lets out because the school is directly across the street from the shopping center.
Chairman Zuckerman noted that review of the matter would continue at the June
12, 2014 meeting.
There being no further business before the Board, the Chairman called for a
motion to adjourn the meeting. On a motion made by Ms. Schoen and seconded by
Mr. Goodman, Mr. Nowak called the roll and the meeting was adjourned by
unanimous voice vote.
Domenic Accurso, Jr. Absent
Robert Goodman voting aye
John Grzan voting aye
Bill Laufer voting aye
Amy Schoen voting aye
Daniel Tartaglia voting aye
Gary Zuckerman, Chairman voting aye
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