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Planning commission recommends town‑center setback change, approves new unified residential use
Summary
The Westchester Planning Commission voted Oct. 28 to recommend Borough Council approve a town‑center build‑to‑line amendment (0‑foot build‑to/side setbacks, stepped front yard setbacks, and a height overlay) and a new unified residential use permitting higher‑density residential in specified town‑center areas.
The Borough of Westchester Planning Commission voted Oct. 28 to recommend Borough Council adopt two town‑center zoning measures: an amendment to the town‑center build‑to line and a new unified residential development use that would allow higher‑density residential in designated town‑center parcels.
Commission Chair Jim Cherry said the build‑to‑line amendment moves the build‑to/setback standard to a 0‑foot frontage and side yard in specified locations, establishes a stepped front yard setback of 10 feet in certain cases, and applies a 60‑ to 75‑foot height overlay where the stepback applies. "Up first with the final review, and, this is the town center, ordinance amendment, specific to the build to line where we sit switched it to a 0 foot setback," Cherry said during the review.
Why it matters: the changes are intended to create a stronger street wall and allow more compact, walkable development in the borough's town‑center core. Commissioners said the proposal is intended to preserve block‑forming facades while allowing increased height where appropriate.
The commission moved and seconded a recommendation that Borough Council approve the build‑to‑line amendment; the motion was approved on a voice vote. Commissioners also voted to forward the new unified residential development use, which would authorize higher‑density residential in specific town‑center areas, to Borough Council with a recommendation of approval. A motion to approve the Sept. 30, 2025 meeting minutes passed earlier in the meeting with one commissioner abstaining because they were not present at that prior meeting.
What the commission recorded: the minutes approval, the two recommendations to Borough Council, and direction for staff to include the amendments in upcoming Council materials. No ordinance text was changed at the table; commissioners asked staff to ensure the final draft clearly reflects the stepback and height overlay language discussed.
Next steps: The commission’s recommendations will be transmitted to Borough Council for public hearing and final action. Staff indicated they will provide the Council packet and the commission minutes that recorded the votes.
