Colin Christovich and Manette Carli presented an application on Sept. 15 to subdivide their through lot at 52 York Avenue into two lots. The proposal would create two lots of approximately 5,450 square feet and 50 feet width each in the UR3 district, where the minimum lot size is 6,600 square feet and minimum width is 60 feet. The applicants requested 17% relief for both minimum area and minimum width.

Applicant case and neighborhood analysis: The applicants showed a data-driven neighborhood analysis of properties within a 700-foot radius and provided recent precedent subdivisions (for example, 124 York in 2016) that had similar or greater percent relief. They told the board that most lots on the block are 50 feet wide and argued that subdividing the through lot would make the block more uniform with existing development patterns rather than creating an outlier through lot.

Board action on SEQR and process: The board voted to request the Planning Board act as lead agency for SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) and coordinate the environmental-review process; motion to defer lead agency to Planning Board carried by voice vote (recorded as 7-0 in favor). The board opened the public hearing and left it active; the applicants were told to expect planning-board referral and that final subdivision approval will require subsequent planning-board review and a return to the ZBA if necessary.

Concerns and clarifications: Board members asked whether the subdivision would create any new rear-yard encroachment or other nonconformities; the applicants said they had prepared conceptual plans showing possible future small driveways/garage placements and removal of an existing deck if needed, and they would provide those materials to staff. The board also noted the proposed plan includes a potential future garage sketch but said any additional building coverage or parking changes would require separate approvals.

Next steps: The ZBA deferred SEQR coordination to the Planning Board and will await the planning-board lead-agency determination and the applicants’ updated materials. The public hearing remains open and the item is scheduled to continue after planning-board review.