Yonkers ZBA opens hearing on owner’s appeal over whether student occupants qualify as a “family”

The Yonkers Zoning Board of Appeals opened a fact-finding hearing on Sept. 17 on two separate appeals by owner Scott Saul challenging the Department of Housing and Buildings’ determination that 1 Bronxville Lane and 106 Bronxville Road are not being used as single‑family residences. The board took public testimony, heard legal argument from the applicant’s counsel and requested detailed documentation from the owner; the board made no decision and kept the public hearing open.

The issue before the board, Acting Chair Ralph Batista said, is whether the properties are occupied by a “family” as defined in the Yonkers code and therefore permitted in the single‑family S50 zone. Leo Napier, an attorney with Harfinis, Kraut and Prostien representing the applicant, told the board the properties are leased under single leases, that tenants are “jointly and severally liable for the entire rent,” and that both houses have common living and cooking areas. Napier said 1 Bronxville…