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Yonkers planners review parking, landscaping and stormwater changes for Islamic Community Center on Grandview Boulevard
Summary
The Yonkers Planning Board received an informational update from the applicant for site plan changes at the Islamic Community Center at 2 Grandview Boulevard, including a new 29-space parking lot, landscaping and a stormwater system of 29 cul‑tech tanks intended to reduce local flooding.
The Yonkers Planning Board received an informational update June 10 on site plan changes proposed for the Islamic Community Center of Midwest Chester at 2 Grandview Boulevard in the S‑100 zoning district. Applicant counsel Maximilian Mihalik said the submission responds to public comments and the city’s planning report and includes a new off‑street parking lot with 29 spaces, landscaping and stormwater infrastructure.
The central change is a proposed parking lot accessed by a driveway more than 150 feet north of the Underhill Street/Grandview Boulevard intersection. "That creates a significant amount of parking supply to be utilized, taking those cars off the street and putting them on the property," said Maximilian Mihalik, attorney for the applicant. He said the driveway location and the four‑way stop at the intersection improve safety and reduce on‑street circulation impacts.
The applicant also proposed a consolidated scooter and bicycle parking area and said scooters observed on the property are used by congregants. "There is no call to worship. No outdoor music is utilized or permitted," Mihalik said, adding that outdoor activities would be "very occasional" for high‑holy days and similar events. Mihalik said the latest evening prayer typically ends by about 8:30 p.m., varying with sunset during the year.
Neighbors had raised concerns about screening and light spill. The applicant’s submission shows a landscaping and fencing plan that includes 16‑foot arborvitae and 10‑foot dogwood trees along the north property line, a front 4‑foot fence that steps to 6 feet in the rear, an existing adjacent 6‑foot fence, and reduced lighting: 17 three‑foot bollard lights in the parking area and 10 along a walking path, plus four sconce lights on the garage. Mihalik said the team lowered previously proposed 15‑foot lights to three‑foot bollards at planning staff request and that lights could be on timers or motion sensors to limit duration.
On drainage, Mihalik said the site plan introduces stormwater management where none exists now. "We've proposed a stormwater management plan that entails 29 cul‑tech tanks. It's designed to address a 24‑hour storm event within the 100‑year period," he said, describing it as a substantial improvement to neighborhood drainage patterns.
Board members asked about fencing materials and color; the applicant confirmed the new fence would be white vinyl and that some existing neighbor fences are black. Several speakers noted the project must also go to the Landmarks Board for fence and other exterior changes. Mihalik said the applicant has submitted a May 28 letter addressing public comments and will follow up with staff about next steps toward action by the Planning Board.
No formal vote or direction to staff was taken at the informational session; the applicant was advised to coordinate with planning staff and Landsmarks where required.
