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Board waives site‑plan authority, refers Master School parking plan to planning board; drainage waiver approved
Summary
The Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees on April 22 waived its site‑plan authority and referred the Master School's proposed new parking lot at 49 Clinton Avenue to the planning board for full review; trustees also approved a waiver for stormwater drainage work on the school's sports field.
The Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees on April 22 voted to waive its site‑plan review jurisdiction and allow the planning board to be lead agency for review of a proposed on‑campus parking lot at the Master School (49 Clinton Avenue). Trustees also approved a separate waiver for limited stormwater drainage improvements to the school's sports field.
Brad Schwartz, attorney for the Master School, told trustees the submission proposes a paved lot of 41 parking spaces and an additional seven spaces to handle maintenance vehicles, for a total of 48 new spaces. Schwartz said the planned lot exceeds the 31‑space benchmark the board set in a prior meeting and that the school's interior renovations are underway; the school expects a certificate of occupancy in the summer, before students return in September. The school requested expedited scheduling so construction could take place over summer months.
Anthony Catalano, a professional engineer with Woodard & Curran, described drainage and stormwater features for the parking plan, including two catch basins and a subsurface storm trap designed so post‑development runoff would not exceed existing conditions. Catalano also said pedestrian walkways and ADA‑compliant spaces are included.
Several nearby residents spoke at the meeting. Chris Perez, who lives across Brace Terrace, said parking on neighborhood streets has blocked deliveries and caused difficulties for school buses. David Abercrombie (transcript: Abercough) urged the board to move quickly so the parking is available before the school year. Andy Schneider, the school's associate head for finance and operations, said the school is developing a parking management plan and that the school's priorities align with neighbors about reducing street parking.
Planning‑board consultant Valerie Monastra confirmed the master school received a no‑adverse‑effect letter from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) regarding nearby Estherwood Mansion, and trustees discussed options for accelerating review, including a joint public hearing with the planning board to move scheduling ahead.
Board action: Trustee Rosenberg moved that the Board waive site‑plan review for the on‑site parking improvements at 49 Clinton Avenue, with the planning board designated lead agency for environmental review; Trustee Gallen seconded and the resolution passed unanimously. Later the board approved a separate waiver of site‑plan review for stormwater drainage improvements on the sports field (motion: Trustee Rosenberg; second: Trustee Gallen). Both votes were unanimous.
Trustees and staff said the planning board will hold the public hearings required by law; the board stressed neighbors would have opportunities to comment during that process and that any construction will be contingent on planning‑board approvals and required permits.
