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Rye Brook planning board approves site plan for 123 North Ridge Street with screening condition
Summary
The Village of Rye Brook Planning Board granted site-plan approval for alterations at 123 North Ridge Street, approving variances previously granted by the ZBA and adding a condition requiring screening in the rear subject to village engineer approval.
The Village of Rye Brook Planning Board on May 8 approved a site plan for 123 North Ridge Street that allows a second-story addition, a new front porch and a rear deck, and other alterations at the single-family home, with a condition requiring additional rear screening subject to the village engineer's approval.
The vote approved Planning Board Resolution PB 25,003, which memorializes the board's action after the application was referred to the zoning board of appeals and following three advertised public hearings. The resolution lists John G. Scarlato, architect, filing on behalf of property owners Kevin and Emily Miller.
The applicant previously received variances from the Rye Brook Zoning Board of Appeals to address front-yard setback and height setback controls related to the village's scenic overlay rules. Architect John G. Scarlato told the board the house currently sits about 7 feet off the property line where 10 feet would be standard and said the requested variance aligns the new second floor with the existing first floor; the specific shortfall for the variance was described in the hearing as roughly "two and a half feet." Scarlato also described changes to the driveway geometry to reduce impervious surface in the front yard and the addition of a porch across the front.
Board members and staff discussed landscaping and screening to moderate views from adjacent properties. Planning consultant Sarah Brown and Superintendent of Public Works Michael Nowak both discussed planting options; board members suggested mixing evergreen screening species (for example, Green Giant and arborvitae were discussed) and adding decorative shrubs such as hydrangeas to soften the view. The board agreed the screening plan should be revised and required as a condition. Chairman Rob Goodman announced the screening condition would be "subject to approval by the village engineer."
The formal motion to adopt the resolution as amended passed by unanimous recorded voice vote: Scott Mendelson — yes; Jeff Richmond — yes; Amy Schone — yes; Chairman Rob Goodman — yes. The resolution and its conditions will be circulated to staff and the applicant for finalization.
The board noted that the rear deck component was allowed as-of-right and the principal outstanding matters were front-yard and height variances and the details of the proposed rear screening. The applicant was instructed to revise landscaping plans to reflect the board's suggestions and to coordinate final planting sizes and species with the village engineer.
Documents for the application and the adopted resolution are on the Village of Rye Brook website for public review.
