Planning board adopts amended site plan for 35 Meadowlark Road

The Village of Rye Brook Planning Board voted May 8 to adopt an amended site plan that reconfigures the driveway at 35 Meadowlark Road, finding the change to be a minor amendment and granting approval under Planning Board Resolution for application 24-007.

The application, presented by architect John G. Scarlato for homeowners Scott and Stacy Schwartz, proposes to move and reconfigure the driveway to improve vehicle maneuvering on a curved street and to add a low retaining wall and landscaping. The applicant said the new layout moves the driveway "more in front of the house" to provide a hammerhead turnaround so vehicles can exit safely.

Planning staff and the board discussed landscaping details; the applicant agreed to mix arborvitae with decorative plantings, including hydrangeas, to soften the driveway and screen the utility pole and wires. Planning consultant Sarah Brown confirmed she received an updated plan the afternoon of the hearing and found it acceptable for the board's review.

The board opened and closed the public hearing at the meeting and adopted the resolution approving the amended site plan. The recorded vote was unanimous: Scott Mendelson — yes; Jeff Richmond — yes; Amy Schone — yes; Chairman Rob Goodman — yes.

The resolution characterizes the application as a Type 2 action under SECRA and notes prior hearings. The board concluded the driveway reconfiguration reduced impervious surface impacts compared with previous layouts and that the landscaping plan will further mitigate visual impacts.

The applicant was instructed to circulate the revised plan and the board will file the final adopted resolution with the village records. Documents and the resolution are available on the Village of Rye Brook website.