Developer seeks to relocate 25 space surface lot closer to Maroza Tower at 44 Hudson; ZBA variance already approved

The Planning Board heard a proposal June 10 to relocate an approved small surface parking lot closer to the under‑construction Maroza Tower at 44 Hudson Street. David Steinmetz, counsel for the applicant, said the Zoning Board of Appeals has already granted the necessary bulk variances and the new lot on Hawthorne Avenue will contain 25 assigned spaces for the development.

Donna Maiello, planner/engineer for the project, described the lot as approximately 130 feet by 75 feet with 18‑by‑9‑foot spaces and a 24‑foot‑wide driveway. The design is a dead‑end lot with a rear four‑foot cut‑out to ease egress and a rolling gate operated by key fob or license‑plate reader; spaces will be assigned to avoid internal circulation searching. "It is a well landscaped parking lot," Maiello said, showing native shade trees, evergreen hedges and ornamental grasses and noting low‑mow turf at the edge where a neighboring property needs side‑yard access.

Board members asked about ingress/egress geometry and whether a barrier island would separate inbound and outbound movements; Maiello said the opening functions as a 24‑foot driveway and the gate system uses two sliding gates that open opposite each other. The applicant said there were two engineering comments (pedestrian access and gate apron depth) and that the lot provides 15 feet between the gate and face of curb plus an 8‑foot parking space on the street, so about 23 feet of queuing depth is available. The applicant will add striping to prevent vehicles from blocking the apron. The board did not vote; the applicant will coordinate with staff on outstanding engineering comments and scheduling.