Planning Board
Village of Tarrytown
Regular Meeting
October 24, 2011 7 p.m.
PRESENT: Members Tedesco, Aukland, Raiselis, Birgy; Counsel Shumejda; Administrator Blau; Building Inspector/Engineer McGarvey
ABSENT: Chairman Friedlander; Secretary Bellantoni
In the absence of Dr. Friedlander, Mr. Tedesco chaired the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Aukland moved, seconded by Ms. Raiselis, and unanimously carried that the minutes of September 26, 2011, be approved as submitted. Motion carried.
CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING – HOLY SPIRIT ASSOCIATION FOR THE UNIFICATION OF WORLD CHRISTIANITY (HAS-UWC) – JARDIM ESTATES EAST – BROWNING LANE
Mr. Tedesco stated this matter is being adjourned. No one present addressed the Board on this matter. All agreed to continue the hearing at the Board’s next meeting.
CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING – JARDIM ESTATES (EMERALD WOODS) –EMERALD WOODS AND GRACEMERE – SITE PLAN AMENDMENT (GUIDERAIL)
Mr. Tedesco gave an update of the application, stating that the applicant came before the Planning Board several months ago requesting a site plan amendment for the guiderail. The Board reviewed the application at a public hearing and said they agreed with the applicant’s request and would approve pending the resolution of the issue involving the dedication of East Belvedere Lane to the Village. That issue has been resolved; the dedication documents have been provided and accepted by the Board of Trustees; so the Board can now move forward with the approval.
Mr. Aukland moved, seconded by Ms. Raiselis, and unanimously carried, that the public hearing be closed.
Mr. Tedesco moved, seconded by Mr. Aukland, and unanimously carried, that the Board determines there will be no significant adverse environmental impacts as a result of this guiderail.
Mr. Tedesco moved, seconded by Mr. Aukland, and unanimously carried, to approve the reduction in length of the guiderail at the intersection of Gracemere and Emerald Woods from 300 L.F. to 100 L.F. and approves a change in its construction from oxidized corrugated beam guiderail to a timber guiderail.
NEW PUBLIC HEARING – TARRYTOWN HONDA – 480 SOUTH BROADWAY
Mr. Tedesco read the following Public Hearing Notice:
"PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Planning Board of the Village of Tarrytown will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 24, 2011at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, One Depot Plaza, Tarrytown, New York, to hear and consider an application by:
DCD Realty Holdings, LLC
480 South Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591
To consider the application to demolish the existing automotive dealership and construct a new automotive dealership at 480 South Broadway in the Village of Tarrytown.
The property is shown on the Tax Maps of the Village of Tarrytown as Sheet 25, Block 72, Lots 5,7,9,11,12,15,38,39,39A,43A,44,48,49,50 and P-66H and is located in a NS (Neighborhood Shopping) Zone.
Documents are available for inspection in the Planning and Zoning Office. All interested parties are invited to attend and be heard. Access to the meeting room is available to the elderly and the handicapped. Signing is available for the hearing-impaired; request must be made to the Village Clerk at least one week in advance of the meeting.
By Order of the Planning Board
Dale Bellantoni
Secretary
DATED: October 12, 2011"
Mr. Tedesco explained that this is the first public hearing for this application. Once presented, the board may ask questions and then the public may ask questions, which should be addressed to the Planning Board not the applicant. The board may ask the applicant to answer your questions tonight or they may ask them to answer them at the next meeting in order to give the applicant sufficient time to properly address your concerns. You must come to the podium and state your name and address, and tonight we would also like you to fill in the sign-in sheet at the podium with your name and address.
He also asked the applicant to include three issues that were discussed at the work session: alternatives for the downloading of car carriers, as well as the possibility of off-site downloading; landscaping including the triangular parcel that is owned by the Village which can possibility serve as an excellent buffer and screening area to Sheldon Avenue; the removal of the majority of cars in the triangular section near Sheldon and the better positioning the shed; also, in detail, the benefits to the Village and the surrounding neighbors.
John J. Hughes, Jr., 181 South Broadway, Tarrytown, New York, attorney for the applicant introduced himself and the following professionals who are connected with the project and who are available to answer questions this evening:
Dwight Dachnowicz, owner of both the dealership and the land.
Terri Walters, RA and David Zuckerman, RA, architects with Metsky-Zuckerman, experienced with car dealerships throughout the tri-state area.
Michael Stein, P.E. and Bill Lackenauer, P.E., professional engineers with Hudson Engineering and Consulting, both experienced in the civil engineering area.
John Collins, P.E., traffic engineer
Dan Sherman, landscape architect
Mr. Hughes gave a brief overview of the entire project as follows:
The current site is a 1.3 acre, irregular shaped parcel with approximately 150' frontage on the East side of South Broadway, with secondary frontage along Sheldon Avenue and Walter Street. It is zoned NS, Neighborhood Shopping. Presently there is an auto dealership with two levels which consist of approximately 29,512 s.f. The ground level is approximately 15,270 s.f. and has a new and used car showroom, five offices, a waiting room and a service area with 11 lifts. There are two entries to the rear, East side, of the property.
The lower level is approximately 14,242 s.f. and is used for car preparation. It stores approximately 75 cars.
In 1914 the site was a carriage-type facility and then a dealership came in 1944. The site was enhanced in 1954 and again in 1978 when the underground garage was created.
It is a one-story masonry on wood building with concrete block exterior, which is in average condition.
Mr. Hughes proceeded to discuss the proposal as follows:
Project footprint includes the present 1.3 acres plus two additional properties to be purchased; a 7,892 s.f. right-of-way known as the Sheldon Avenue dead end and a 5,641 s.f. triangular shaped single-family parcel known as 29 Sheldon Avenue. The existing one-family structure will be demolished. The two proposed additions will increase the site to 1.6929 acres or 70,964 s.f.
The proposed improvements are to replace the existing building with a new two-story plus basement building with a gross area of 75,408 s.f. The ground floor will measure 28,595 s.f. and will consist of a service reception area, a service garage with 25 bays, service area and parts storage, new car show room with a reception desk, and a customer waiting room. The second floor measuring 28,655 s.f. will house a used car showroom with a 96 car capacity; professional offices which will include the general manager's and owner's office, secretary area, an employee break room, and restrooms. The basement will measure 18,178 s.f. and will be dedicated to the storage of 50 vehicles, parts storage, tech break room, locker room and restrooms. The total interior will have a 192 auto space capacity which will include 10 spaces for
drop off, 26 spaces for service and five spaces for detail. A vehicle elevator will facilitate access between all three levels.
Conceptually the exterior height is 37'-5" to median of the gable roof.
The traffic flow for new and used car purchasers will enter and exit from Walter Street, service cars will enter and exit from Walter Street, and deliveries of parts and cars (tractor trailers 1-3 times a day) will enter from Sheldon Avenue and exit on Walter Street.
Exterior parking will be provided for 94 cars which will include 31 for customers, 38 for display and 25 for service. Mr. Tedesco asked what the present number of exterior parking is. Mr. Hughes said he did not have that number with him but would get back to him with it.
Mr. Hughes explained the characteristics that make this dealership such a success. It is a large site with 150' street frontage along Rt. 9 which provides enhanced exposure. There is easy access to I-287/I-87 and parkways. The dealership is located in a business area with retail services, shopping center, a hotel, as well as a residential area and has a large traffic volume which is very important to a successful dealership. The demographics are as follows: 6,448 people within 1 mile; almost 45,000 within 3 miles; and almost 150,000 within 5 miles with and average/medium household income of $129,634 / $96,079
It is a large site with an interior capacity of 192 autos, a showroom, service area and storage. The exterior is large enough for drive in space plus space for 94 autos.
This new and improved dealership will benefit the applicant because he will be able to comply with Honda's requirements to acquire new and retain existing customers by providing superior showrooms with customer amenities, efficient service departments and separate accounting/finance departments which provides privacy for the purchaser while discussing finances and the purchase of a vehicle.
The economic benefits to the Village of Tarrytown: presently there are 24 employees who reside in the Village and with this new dealership 28 are expected to be employed. In 2010, 1,428 new cars and 500 used cars where purchased by residents of the Village. This dealership is being used by a lot of local people. The dealership does business with over 40 different businesses in Tarrytown from car repair businesses to banks. This dealership does a lot of business with the businesses in the area. The business has been in the Village for over 40 years and presently pays $15,825 in taxes, which will be increased to approximately $80,000. The current local taxes (Town/School/Village) are $96,984.
The building will be aesthetically pleasing and impressive from all sides. The proposed building will be consistent with the neighborhood and the general historical area of Tarrytown. The building will be surrounded by lush landscaping which will enhance it appearance.
Many of the activities that currently occur outside, such as dropping of cars for service, will be moved to the inside of the new building thus reducing noise, improving the appearance of the neighborhood and improved ambiance.
The new building will address previous traffic concerns on Sheldon and Walter Streets by providing an improved traffic flow into and out of the dealership for both cars and car carriers. This improved traffic flow will alleviate congestion. Since employees will be parking off site, they will not add to the traffic concerns.
Adding a “Green Roof" will have great environmental benefits, not just to the Honda structure but to the surrounding neighborhood. Research has shown that green roofs can reduce the temperature of the surrounding area, reduce storm water run-off, filter pollutants and carbon dioxide out of the air, and are ecologically sound.
Flooding has been a concern in this area of Tarrytown. With improved storm water drainage, the enhanced structure will address this concern and serve as an added safety strategy against flooding.
The following items must be provided/addressed in order for this project to move forward:
1. Final site plan approval by Planning Board Village of Tarrytown, with accompanying environmental findings;
2. Acquisition of Sheldon Street dead end parcel from Village of Tarrytown and its rezoning by Board of Trustees;
3. Acquisition of 29 Sheldon Avenue property and its rezoning by Board of Trustees;
4. Acquisition or easement of parcel at Southwestern area of property by Village of Tarrytown and its rezoning;
5. Variances granted by Zoning Board of Appeals or Amendments to Zoning Code in and for the NS District as shown on the zoning chart which is attached to these minutes.
6. Approval by Village Building Department or other local administrative agencies with jurisdiction.
Mr. Birgy asked is the number of employees who are Tarrytown residents now, what is the present total number of employees, and what is the total expected increased number with the new building. Mr. Dachnowicz said there are presently 24 Tarrytown resident employees, 52 total employees and 62 maximum are expected with the new building.
Kim Sinistore, 8 Walter Street, asked if a traffic study and an environmental impact study was done and if a height variance was required. She wondered when the neighbors concerns would be addressed and where the employee off-site parking would be.
Mr. Tedesco explained that this is where the neighbors' concerns are addressed at the public hearings. He also explained that this whole process is part of the environmental impact study, taking into account the concerns of the board and the residents. The applicant will be required to fill out and Full Environmental Assessment Form which will be the backbone of that study.
Mr. Hughes said that the height requirement is 35' which is what the majority of the building will be. They are in the process of analyzing the exact height of the building and there may be a part of the building which will be higher 35', but not significantly higher, only 1-2'. He said that he would be submitting a full environmental assessment form and the traffic impact is part of the environmental impact. Mr. Hughes stated that Mr. Collins, the traffic engineer, will conclude that the new traffic flow will be better than it is today which will be documented in writing. Mr. Dachnowicz has property in Hastings, New York where he will have his employees park.
MarianneTramaglini, 47 Sheldon Avenue, whose property abuts the property of 29 Sheldon, is concerned that when the demolition and construction begin there will be drainage issues which will affect her property. She is also concerned about trees falling causing damage and asked who would be responsible for the damage as well as any damage the construction crew may cause on her property. She asked what the property at 29 Sheldon Avenue would be used for and how all of this would affect the value of the homes in the neighborhood. Ms. Tramaglini asked what the process is for rezoning the properties that they plan to purchase which are presently in the R7.5 zone to the NS zone.
Mr. Tedesco explained that the applicant has to go before the Board of Trustees to have the property rezoned. He asked Mr. McGarvey if he felt any of the construction crew would have to go on her property. Mr. McGarvey said no, they should not have to. Mr. Tedesco explained that a project of this magnitude would require that the applicant hire a construction manager to oversee the project. He also said that the applicant would have to give them an adequate stormwater management plan which would be overseen by the Village Engineer.
Mr. Birgy noted and Mr. McGarvey confirmed that any runoff from Honda's property would have to be maintained on their property so that her property should not be affected.
Mr. Aukland asked the applicant to reassure the resident that if there is any damage to her property, it would be taken care of by the applicant. Mr. Hughes said yes, of course, it will be taken care of by the applicant and in the full environmental there will be a description of the construction process as well as the mitigation steps that need to be done.
Lee Alefantis, 8 Glenwolde Park, felt that the peak visually gave the building more height and wondered if the board would consider have them removed. He also wanted to know if they business would be opening and operating while the construction was being done in phases or would it shut down while all buildings were being demolished and the new built.
Mr. Dachnowicz said he has two proposals; one where the buildings would be demolished and new built in three phases and they would remain open by utilizing the available space for several operations. The second proposal would be to demolish most of the building and they would operate out of trailers while the building was being built.
Mr. Alefantis stated that he felt there would be a greater impact to the neighborhood if it were done in phases and he proposed to the board that they close the facility and demolish and rebuild. It would be faster and less inconvenient to the neighborhood. He hoped that they would have a three party as a construction management company to oversee the project. He asked if they would have another review of the height of the building. He is concerned that once the acquired properties are rezoned, can they use it for additional parking which will impact that neighborhood.
Mr. Blau told him that if Honda were to acquire additional properties they would have to go through this same process. They cannot just buy property and park cars on it.
Michael Stein explained that no part of the building would be located in the acquired area. There will be two parking spaces and an access to the rear of the building as well as extensive landscaping. He also explained that the property only abuts the property at 47 Sheldon Avenue in one small point; there are no property lines adjoining. Also there would be no stormwater runoff onto her property because the property actually goes uphill. Mr. Stein explained that the property will be surveyed and the property lines will be delineated and during construction, construction fencing would be installed so that no one would go onto her property at 47 Sheldon Avenue.
John Furtado, 62 Sheldon Avenue, said his main concern is traffic. He feels the truck traffic will double. His is also concerned about the salesmen and mechanics test driving cars up and down Sheldon Avenue.
Mr. Birgy asked if test driving could be restricted to Broadway.
Mr. Dachnowicz said the best way to test drive a car is on the highway. He suggested that they put a "no parking" sign as you come out of the dealership onto Walter Street so that test drives and others exiting the dealership could only make a right toward Broadway. He felt this would be a safety measure.
Mr. Tedesco asked Mr. Dachnowicz how many car carriers arrived at the dealership per day. Mr. Dachnowicz said when they tracked it, on average; it was 1-3 a day.
Mr. Tedesco asked him to include all kinds of truck traffic in the EAF and asked him to compare this projection with what currently exists.
Audrey Capra, 33 Sheldon Avenue, has the same complaints as Mr. Furtado. She provided the board with pictures showing more than on car carrier at a time loading and unloading cars. She stated that she has been late for work because they blocked her driveway. She feels her quality of life has been changed, as well as the rest of the neighborhood, since Mr. Dachnowicz took over the dealership. Her house is directly behind the dealership and next to the house they plan on purchasing and she feels she will be greatly impacted by this. She also had concerns about the removal of trees. Mrs. Capra said that the streets were not made for truck traffic. She feels Mr. Dachnowicz has outgrown his space in Penny Bridge and perhaps he should look for another larger spot in Tarrytown.
Ms. Capra said that the employees eat their lunch in the back of the building and leave their garbage in her garbage can. Mr. Tedesco asked Mr. Dachnowicz to explain the provision for the employees’ lunch. Mr. Dachnowicz said he does provide a lunch room or they go to a local restaurant.
Mr. Aukland asked Mr. Dachnowicz since the drivers of the 18 wheelers are not his employees, how does he encourage them to be good citizens. Mr. Dachnowicz said they not only answer to report to him, but they also have to answer to Honda Corporate; if he has a problem with them, he calls Honda Corporate. He said if any of the neighbors have a problem, they are welcome to have his cell number and he will address their concerns as soon as possible.
Mr. Tedesco stated that in the proposed plan there are to be no car carriers loading or unloading onto the site.
Mr. McGarvey asked if their traffic engineer looked at the Thruway entrance where they could possibly get access to the property. Mr. Dachnowicz said he approached them several years ago and they said no but would ask again.
Kory Salomone, 10 Glenwolde Park, asked the board to speak about the SEQRA review. He asked if the Zoning Board can declare itself lead agency for their portion of the review. Mr. Tedesco said they would be the lead agency and the zoning board would not.
Mr. Salomone stated that the Planning Board would have to make their SEQRA determination prior to any other board’s review. Mr. Tedesco said the usual procedure is if we approve, we give a recommendation to the Zoning Board for any required variance with the reasons for our support. The Zoning Board will then have to make their approval.
Mr. Salomone asked about a traffic study, stormwater plan, lighting plan, noise study and a traffic circulation study to see how the large carriers can turn into the site. Mr. Tedesco explained that some of that is part of the traffic study and some of the other items will be included in the Environmental Assessment Form. After they read their Environmental Assessment Form, if they find they need more studies done, we will ask for the. Mr. Salomone asked if they Village would be hiring outside consultants to do their own studies. Mr. Tedesco said it would depend on what the studies show. It will depend on how serious it is and if we need more information.
Mr. Salomone asked about the building coverage and did the board feel that it should be approved by the ZBA or the Board of Trustees. Mr. Tedesco said in general we look at the project for the best interest of the applicant and Village. If the benefits support the variances, we would give our recommendation; if not, the property may have to be rezoned.
Mr. Aukland said that they have raised the question of the variances, building coverage and setback. They have discussed these with Mr. Dachnowicz and he has been very cooperative. Nothing has been decided yet and we will move it forward as Mr. Tedesco described.
Richard Minotta, 8 Walter Street, he feels the traffic on Walter Street is worse than on Sheldon. He thinks the entrance coming off of Rt. 9 is a better proposal than off of Walter Street. Throughout the years he has witnessed many accidents on Walter Street. There are many children in the neighborhood and he feels it would be safer to keep the traffic off of Walter Street. He also stated that the parking situation is terrible on Walter Street. He asked about permit parking but it was turned down by New York State.
Mr. Tedesco asked Mr. Collins, traffic engineering, to speak in general about the traffic situation.
Mr. Collins said the traffic study will be an operational plan as to what exists today with the cars and trucks coming in and out, we will also show the accident history, and lastly they will look at the future and will ask the NYS Thruway Authority and NYSDOT if they can obtain access from the Thruway entrance ramp into the dealership. This will all come together in a study. They will show the current circulation pattern and what it will be in the future. They will make recommendations on these items. The will show if the trucks can come in, make the turn and enter the dealership.
Marissa Feind, 12 Walter Street, has serious concerns about the demolition and construction of such a large project. She feels it will be detrimental to the neighborhood. She stated her concerns with test drives through the neighborhood and felt it was very dangerous, especially with the large number of children in the neighborhood. She said the number of trucks, carriers, delivery trucks, etc. is a major concern of hers. Safety is her main concern and she feels that expanding the building will drastically affect the safety of all the neighbors.
Mr. Birgy asked Mr. Dachnowicz if there is any reason why the test driving is done on the residential street. Mr. Dachnowicz said he does not encourage it; perhaps they do it on the private street when they are only doing a short drive. Mr. Birgy asked Mr. Dachnowicz if he can tell his employees not to test drive on the private street. Mr. Dachnowicz said he could and as a businessman he does not want the liability, especially with the children in the neighborhood.
Adam Balkon, 16 Glenwolde Park, feels that this particularly neighborhood is constantly under siege, first with the Korean Church parking lot, soon it will be the Tappan Zee Bridge which will affect them and the tunnel under the neighborhood and now Honda wants to double the size of it's building. He is not opposed to the dealership, but doubling the size is a bit much for the neighborhood. He also asked if some of the trucks coming in could be transferred to cleaner burning vehicles so eliminate some noise and air pollution. He is very concerned about the air quality especially because of all the bridge traffic and would appreciate anything that could be done to bring that down. He was interested in the landscaping.
Alison Boldyrev, 63 Embree Street, main concern is that it will affect the quality of life for the neighborhood. Traffic is a big concern with this project and whether the trucks can make a smooth turn or would they be backing up, turning forward, backing up to turn forward again. She is in favor of coming in from Route 9 if possible. She is not in favor of rezoning but prefers variances. If in the future the property changes hands, she fells they will be more protected from something else coming into the NS which is allowed in the NS Zone. Mr. Tedesco said that is a very good point, one the board should consider. Ms. Raiselis asked if that was possible for that one lot. Mr. Blau said it would have to go before the Zoning Board for a use variance, which is considerably more difficult to obtain than
an area variance. Mrs. Boldyrev questioned who determines the test drive routes and can they make a set route that does not go on Sheldon Avenue. She asked about the setback for the building. Mr. Tedesco said that presently there is a 10th of a foot setback and the board asked them to look into an increased setback so that the building would be more in line with the neighborhood and to give it a more visual look rather than being right smack on the road. Honda increased the setback to 12'. Mrs. Boldyrev said she preferred the lesser setback because it would be less invasive to the neighbors in the rear of the building and it also may give the trucks more room to turn. She said the neighbors must be given assurances from the Village that if a business does not comply with all of the agreements, they will be protected.
Mr. Aukland asked for a clarification on the turning tracks for the trucks. Mr. Collins said today turning tracks are done computer graphics. It errors on the conservative side and he has never seen a truck drive not be able to turn with the track.
Mr. Birgy asked the applicant to report at the next meet on how his business would be affected by off-loading at an off-site location.
Mary DeLuigi, 63 Sheldon Street, is concerned about the test driving which is done constantly and the pollution.
Mr. Tedesco said that the board realized that there are many problems in the neighborhood because of Honda and in all of the meeting they have had with Mr. Dachnowicz he has been very responsive and is sure he will be response to tonight's concerns.
Audrey Capri is very concerned with the triangular section on Sheldon that Honda plans to acquire.
Dan Sherman, landscape architect explained that there will be two parking spaces on the street in front of the now existing house; and when the house comes down, there will be a fence separating Honda's property from the neighbors and the property will have a lot of trees.
Mr. Tedesco asked Mr. Sherman to discuss what will happen to the triangular property that the Village now owns Mr. Sherman discussed the proposed plan as follows: retain the two Bradford Pear trees; and in the front, various shrubs that will bloom in various seasons as well as lawn area. The fence will be on the property line and there will be a hedge of arborvitaes on the inside. On the Walter Street side there will be six new trees and the fence along the property line and on the outside of the fence there will be a street tree whose size will be somewhere between a dogwood and a maple. On the outside of the fence there will be variegated dogwood and hydrangea. Inside the fence there will be more arborvitaes. There are entrance plantings at the entrance. The front is very tailored and trim. The
fence and the hedge inside will help to block out the cars.
Kim Sinistore asked if the entrance width will remain the same, be smaller or larger. Mr. Stein said the entrance will be moved and made wider to allow the trucks to enter. Mr. Stein said the trucks will be entering the site from Sheldon Street and exiting onto Walter Street. Mr. Tedesco asked why the entrance on Walter Street was shifted. Mr. Stein said the DOT requires a certain distance from the corner.
Mr. Tedesco asked Mr. Collins to look at the points brought up tonight by the residents and perhaps come up with a better plan.
Mr. Dachnowicz said he did not have a problem setting a test route.
Mr. Tedesco moved, seconded by Mr. Aukland, to declare the Planning Board lead agency, all in favor.
Mr. Tedesco moved, seconded by Mr. Aukland, to continue the public hearing at the next meeting, all in favor. Mr. Tedesco asked the applicant to come to the next worksession to go over some of tonight's issues.
PRELIMINARY PRESENTATION–HACKLEY SCHOOL–293 BENEDICT AVENUE
Peter McAndrew, Director of Finance introduced himself and Tim Patterson, Landscape Architect who described the plan as follows:
The plan is to improve the entrance way from a large gravel and blacktop entrance with two out-of-scale pillars to a more enhanced entrance by enlarging the pillars and moving them back. The pillars will have engraved “Hackley School” signs. The existing wall will be extended to meet the pillars. The new walls will be made of the same stone as the existing walls and the pillars will match the stones of the existing buildings keeping it as historically accurate as possible. There will be extensive plants along the entrance way and a pedestrian walkway leading down onto the existing field area. There will be a gravel access driveway from the existing top parking lot down to the existing parking lot at the field.
Mr. Tedesco noted that as per a memo sent to Chairman Friedlander from Mr. McAndrew, there is a plan to removed three trees, for which they have submitted a tree removal permit to the building department already; they are a 6” Black Cherry, 10” Oak and a 12” Bradford Pear. He asked if they anticipated the removal of any other trees. Mr. Patterson said no.
Mr. Birgy asked if there are any other specimen trees which may be in harm’s way during the construction and would they have people directly supervising the work. Mr. Patterson said there are two older trees, on the site, one is a Beech; but no, in his opinion, there are no trees that will be endangered during construction. Mr. McAndrew said that he and Mr. Patterson will be supervision the project.
Mr. McGarvey asked Mr. Birgy if he wanted tree protection around those trees. Mr. Birgy felt it would be a good idea to at least put construction fencing around them. Mr. McAndrew felt there would be no danger to the trees or any danger of removing the wrong trees. Ms. Raiselis said the issue is damaging the existing trees, not that the wrong trees will be taken down. Mr. Tedesco said the trees to be removed must be “Xed” out on the approved site plan. It was agreed that tree protection will be installed.
Mr. McGarvey commented that the wall to the north is not very attractive and asked if something can be done to it. Mr. Patterson said there are only so many funds available but perhaps it could be a future project to enhance that wall. Mr. McGarvey said they are enhancing this entrance, but this small section in Tarrytown is not very nice to look at and seems to have been forgotten. Mr. Patterson said he would love to fix that wall but that would have to be Hackley’s decision. Mr. Birgy asked Mr. McGarvey if there are any safety issues with the wall. Mr. McGarvey said they may have to put a guiderail up along that area. Mr. McAndrew felt the safety issue is no different than when it was built. He stated that they look at the safety issues all the time and are confident that there is not safety
issue. Ms. Raiselis said it would be nice if that wall could be fixed. Mr. Aukland said it is a historic wall and all historic walls should be preserved. Mr. McAndrew said the repair of the wall is in Hackley’s Capital Improvement budget for future repair. Mr. Shumejda said the board does not have jurisdiction to make them fix the wall.
Mr. McAndrew brought up to the board an unauthorized modification made to the parking lot. This summer when tree removal permit was submitted to the Building Department, the configuration of the parking lot was not the same as the configuration on the topo survey in the Building Department. He just wanted to make the board aware of this. Last summer they moved the entrance into the center and removed and removed a small section in the lot to make it a perfect rectangle which makes it more efficient. Mr. Aukland said this is not part of the application; it is just for the record. Mr. Shumejda said it is an issue that it was done without a building permit: but it is not an issue if you approve this plan, it then becomes the official plan on record.
Mr. Tedesco motioned to declare the Board’s intent to be lead agency, seconded by Mr. Birgy, all in favor. Motion carried
Mr. Tedesco motioned to set an escrow in the amount of $2,500, seconded by Mr. Aukland, all in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. Tedesco motioned to set the public hearing for the next meeting, seconded by Mr. Aukland, all in favor. Motion Carried
Mr. Aukland motioned to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Raiselis, all in favor. Motion carried
Adjournment – 9:45 p.m.
Dale Bellantoni
Secretary
Yard Setbacks – for Variances Needed
Required Existing Proposed Variance
Front (Broadway) 30 .01 12 18
Front (Walter) 30 42 s.f. 29.2 .8
Rear 50 29.09 40.6 9.4
Side (Thruway) 30 .31 .9 29.1
Coverage (s.f.) 14,192.84 15,270 28,385 14,192
Coverage (%) 20 26.6 40% 20%
Parking 311 286 25
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