Mount Vernon BZA approves setback variances for proposed Riley/Newark laundromat

The Mount Vernon Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 1 approved multiple setback variances to allow construction of a single‑story laundromat at the site listed as 1 Riley Street (formerly 310 Newark Road), with one change requiring clarification of the property frontage designation.

The variances will allow a new 30‑by‑50 foot commercial structure to be located 10 feet from the front property line (instead of the 30 feet called for in the GB General Business zone) and 15 feet from the north interior property line where the standard interior side yard would total 20 feet when adjacent to residential zoning. The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

The decision matters locally because the site fronts a residential area: a single‑family home at 308 Newark Road is reported to encroach 5 feet over the shared lot line, and nearby residents raised concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic and nuisance impacts from the new business.

Board members considered the staff report prepared for the case, which identified the applicant parcels (parcel numbers included in the record) and described the redevelopment plan submitted by the property owner. The staff report noted that the property is zoned GB (General Business) and summarized applicable setback and screening standards: a 30‑foot front yard; a…