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Planning Board approves 1.5-story addition to Refugio de Esperanza church at 473 North Avenue
Summary
The board approved a site plan for a roughly 3,500-square-foot addition to the Refugio de Esperanza Church at 473 North Avenue; the applicant will reuse existing stone veneer and timbers and must meet building and fire code conditions outlined by staff.
The New Rochelle Planning Board approved a site plan for a roughly 3,500-square-foot addition to the Refugio de Esperanza Church at 473 North Avenue.
Why it matters: The addition is intended to provide entry and social space for existing parishioners and does not expand the congregation, the applicant said. The project requires building and fire protection work and a zoning variance for parking that the applicant previously obtained from the Zoning Board.
Jonathan Villani of Annunziata Villani Design Consultants presented the proposal and said the design will reuse existing stone veneer, timbers and stucco, extending the church toward North Avenue to create a larger entry foyer and community space. Villani said the parish did not expect growth in membership and that the addition is intended to provide space for children and social uses.
City staff listed conditions addressing sidewalk obstructions, protection and maintenance of pedestrian and vehicular traffic during construction, right-of-way repairs, and specific New York State Building Code requirements for additions and alterations. Staff also required drawings extending the sprinkler and fire-alarm systems into new areas and an egress plan that identifies alarm components, emergency and exit lighting and extinguisher locations prior to issuance of building permits.
Jonathan Villani and the project team said they would address fire and code comments during the building permit phase. The board voted to approve the site plan; the motion passed by voice vote and the transcript does not include a roll-call tally.
The applicant must complete permit-level drawings and satisfy the building department’s fire protection and structural requirements before construction begins.
