Committee backs returning to town-center 'build-to' standard, discusses 410 South High unified housing use; staff zoning officer to be appointed

The Westchester Borough Smart Growth Committee on Sept. 10 resumed a long-running discussion about the town-center build-to line and related zoning standards, favoring a return to a 0-foot build-to setback for most Town Center parcels and a stepped-back requirement in the height overlay district. Jim Cherry, chair of the planning commission, described the change as reverting to the prior requirement and said the goal is to "reinforce the street" for pedestrians while allowing limited upper-story setbacks in taller buildings. Cherry said the planning commission and staff are proposing a 0-foot front and side setback in the Town Center, with a 10-foot setback for buildings that take advantage of the height overlay district, to provide room for trees, plantings and a more comfortable pedestrian experience. "What we're really looking…