Planning board approves Glenmore Drive house plan with tree protection and school‑hour delivery restrictions

The Planning Board on Jan. 28 approved a site plan (PB‑34‑2024) to build a single‑family home on a vacant lot at Glenmore Drive, conditioned on measures to address flooding, preserve a large elm tree along the shared property line, and to limit construction deliveries during school drop‑off and pick‑up.

Applicant John Woodruff, a New Rochelle architect, described the proposed Tudor‑inspired 4‑bedroom, 3.5‑bath house of about 3,000 square feet with a two‑car garage accessed by a long driveway. Woodruff said the design incorporates pervious materials, a gravel driveway and an underground recharge system — “12, 330XL recharger chambers” described by the applicant as large dry‑well chambers — to store stormwater on site.

Neighbors pressed for protections. Jesse Laufer and a neighbor identified as Stephanie, both of 29 Glenmore Drive, urged the board to require stronger measures to protect a mature American elm tree on the lot line and to ensure the project would not increase flooding on adjoining properties. They requested a minimum 22‑foot root‑protection/exclusion zone around the elm, a construction‑period fence, and that any pruning or root work be performed by Bartlett, the arborist identified in their arboricultural report.

Response and conditions: John Woodruff told the board he plans to use Bartlett and described updated plans that include tree protection fencing and root‑treatment strategies, air‑spading to expose roots and careful root pruning by a certified arborist. The board read a series of conditions on record, including requirements that the work conform to Department of Public Works (DPW) standard details and that DPW permits be obtained for curb cuts, sidewalk work, driveway aprons, and any right‑of‑way work. One condition requires replacement of any defective sidewalk fronting the property.

School‑hour deliveries: In response to public concern about student safety at Daniel Webster School across the street, staff and the applicant agreed to a condition barring construction deliveries during Webster School drop‑off and pick‑up hours (the board discussed specific windows such as 7:45–9:00 a.m. and 2:00–3:30 p.m.). The applicant said construction start would likely be in June and that typical phases involve short periods of intense activity.

Board action: After confirming the applicant accepted the stated conditions, the board voted to approve the site plan. The motion passed with the board recording “Aye” and no opposition.

Ending: The approval ties building permits to the listed conditions, including DPW permits, tree protection coordinated with Bartlett, and restricted delivery times to limit impacts on school operations and neighboring properties.