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Board approves subdivision and setback waiver for conversion of 4‑unit rowhouse at 623‑629 Delaware Avenue
Summary
The Planning Board approved a lot subdivision and major waiver request that will split an existing four‑unit rowhouse into four single‑family units, subject to conditions requiring separate laterals, cross‑easements for access and refuse, and final mylar filing.
The Kingston Planning Board approved a lot subdivision and a major waiver of side‑yard setback requirements for 623–629 Delaware Avenue, allowing an existing four‑unit rowhouse to be subdivided into four single‑family parcels and rehabilitated, with conditions for utility separation and cross‑easements.
John Steinmeier, the project engineer, described the work as converting one connected two‑story, four‑unit building into four separate single‑family parcels. He told the board that “we’ll have to add two additional sewer mains that separate everything out,” and that utilities inside the building will need to be reconfigured so each unit has separate laterals and sewer connections.
Why it matters: The approval allows property owners to create four separate legal parcels out of a connected rowhouse, enabling individual ownership and rehabilitations. The board attached conditions to protect public infrastructure and clarify access and maintenance responsibilities.
Key conditions and clarifications placed on the approval included: - Separate utilities: Each unit must have its own sewer lateral and properly separated water services; the existing four water meters may have interior cross‑connections that must be corrected prior to final approvals. - Cross easements: The developer must provide recorded cross‑easement agreements for emergency egress, shared access to rear yards, and refuse and service access; staff said such easements must be referenced in parcel descriptions. - Filing and materials: The applicant must submit final paper and mylar copies of the subdivision with owner signatures before the planning board chair signs for county filing, in accordance with Board Policy 6.
Board members noted practical issues for future owners — e.g., access for lawn care and garbage, and the need for recorded cross‑easements to allow emergency egress from middle units — and specifically required that cross‑easements be in place as a condition of approval.
The board found the action was an unlisted SEQR action for which a Short Environmental Assessment Form had been completed and accepted by staff. The motion to approve the subdivision and the waiver carried, with Matt Gillis and Robert Jacobson among those voting in favor.
Ending: The board approved the waiver and subdivision subject to the conditions listed; the applicant must return with recorded cross‑easements and final recorded plans for the chairman’s signature and county filing.
