Planning board issues negative SEQRA declaration for Mount Vernon Avenue mixed‑use project, sets conditions on valet, bike parking, lighting and erosion control

The Mount Vernon City Planning Board issued a negative SEQRA declaration for Case D‑24‑66‑8, a proposed 5½‑story mixed‑use building on Mount Vernon Avenue owned by OrCam Tam and represented by lead designer Errol McIntosh, and closed the public hearing. The project would include 24 parking spaces served by mechanical lifts.

At the hearing the applicant presented revised materials addressing landscape updates, exterior lighting, security cameras and parking-lift operations. The lead design professional said the submission included updated landscaping and a basement location for some interior systems. The designer also noted provisions for security cameras and a lighting plan; the applicant committed to coordinate final lighting details with staff and to submit any additional engineering materials requested by the board.

Board members asked operational questions about the mechanical parking lifts, including who would operate them and whether a backup would be available; the applicant indicated a site superintendent and backup operators (the applicant noted family members would assist if needed). Commissioners discussed street-level traffic and valet operations, noting the area already experiences heavy traffic at certain times; the applicant said valet operations and the lift system should limit curbside congestion. The board suggested adding a small curb-side bump‑out or indentation (paver‑finished) to temporarily hold one or two vehicles for pick-up/turn‑in operations so arrivals and departures do not block the travel lane.

Other conditions the board asked to be added to the draft resolution or final plan set include a dust and erosion control plan for construction, confirmation or revision of the planting schedule to use native, noninvasive species consistent with ARB guidance, clarification of bike‑parking coverage (board members asked whether bike parking is sheltered), documentation about refuse storage and screening for outdoor refuse areas, and documentation for EV charging provisions. The board also reviewed emergency access (hydrant location and street width) and stormwater measures, including possible subsurface detention under the parking area; a full stormwater/drainage submission was expected in later materials or to the building department as part of permitting.

The board voted to authorize counsel and staff to prepare a final, council-ready draft resolution incorporating these conditions and to close the hearing; the motions were seconded and passed by voice vote. The board asked the applicant to provide the dust/erosion plan and any outstanding engineering documentation before the draft resolution is finalized.