Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Subdivision topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves subdivision of Wild Cliff Road lot into two buildable parcels despite neighbor objections
Summary
The Zoning Board approved subdividing a vacant Wild Cliff Road lot into two lots; the board granted a minor lot‑width variance (68.5 feet proposed vs. 70 feet required) after finding the shortfall small and not detrimental to neighborhood character.
The New Rochelle Zoning Board voted to approve an application to subdivide a single vacant lot on Wild Cliff Road into two buildable lots. The applicant sought a narrow lot‑width variance for one of the new lots; the proposed lot width is 68.5 feet, 1.5 feet less than the 70‑foot requirement in the R2‑7 zone.
Architect John Woodruff explained the property’s context: the Wild Cliff Road area contains a mix of single‑ and two‑family houses and a nearby view toward Long Island Sound. The application proposed two buildable lots that would otherwise meet FAR, setbacks and lot area per family requirements; only lot width on one lot required relief. Planning staff provided a positive recommendation to the board.
Nearby residents spoke against subdividing the lot into two separate single‑family parcels. Longtime residents Alice Megara and Anita Hill said the street’s character and existing lot pattern favored a single two‑family house and urged the board to preserve yard space and neighborhood scale. The applicant responded that each new lot would have its own driveway and yards and that the variance sought is a small percentage difference.
After discussion and applying the area‑variance balancing test, the board concluded the requested lot‑width variance was minor, that all other bulk and dimensional standards could be met, and that the subdivision would not unduly change neighborhood character. The roll call recorded affirmatives from Abel Rodriguez, Carla Clapper, Bob Stanzial, David Fernandez, Fernando Arias and Erica Eisner; the motion passed.
The board’s approval permits the subdivision to proceed; subsequent building permits and planning reviews will govern future home designs and any additional required approvals.
