The City of New Rochelle Historical Landmarks Review Board on Oct. 8 gave a positive referral to the Zoning Board for work at 72 Albemarle Avenue that will require two variances.

John Woodruff, an architect based in New Rochelle representing the property owner, told the board the existing patio dates from the early 1950s, is severely cracked, and encroaches about 1.5 feet over the property line in one corner. Woodruff said the team plans to cut the patio back about 2 feet at the encroaching corner, retain a triangular portion where a retaining wall is structurally necessary, rebuild a smaller patio/walkway about 6 feet wide, and add a raised deck with a stair and French doors from the house.

Woodruff described site constraints: the lot backs to a railroad and I-95, is effectively a dead-end property, and has a grade change along the rear property line that varies between about 8 and 15 feet with existing retaining walls. He said the retaining walls appear to be supporting the house and would not be moved. The application seeks two variances: a minimum side-yard setback variance (the patio area is about 2 feet from the property line where 12 feet is required) and a variance for the combined side-yard requirement.

Board members asked about visibility from the street and whether the front of the house would change; Woodruff said there will be no change visible from the street. One member noted that the proposed smaller deck would provide the homeowners with privacy and reduce overlooking of the neighbor’s pool below. No public comments were recorded during the referral discussion.

A motion to give a positive referral to the Zoning Board for the applicant’s requested variances and the proposed patio/deck modifications passed; the motion was seconded and announced carried with affirmative voices. The transcript did not record the mover or second by name.