Zoning board approves variances to legalize additions at 42 Chauncey Ave
November 05, 2025 | New Rochelle, Westchester County, New York
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Architect Cynthia Sorrea Canteros told the board the project team removed 423.9 square feet of concrete paving on the northeast side of the lot to reduce impervious coverage. “We were able to reduce the impervious surface coverage from 1,993 to 1,569.81 square feet,” Canteros said, and she described a modest parking setback change that reduced the requested front‑yard parking variance.
The application sought multiple area variances in an R2‑7 zone, including a proposed FAR of 0.69 (1,502 sq ft) exceeding the 0.4 limit (871 sq ft), proposed building coverage of 36% (785 sq ft) over the 30% limit (653 sq ft), impervious coverage of 72% (1,570 sq ft) over the 60% limit (1,307 sq ft), and exceptions for parking and driveway setbacks. The recorded lot area is roughly 2,100 square feet in a district where the minimum lot area is 7,000 square feet, the board noted.
Paul Vaca, commissioner of buildings, said the driveway and several nonconforming features predated the current owners. “It’s abundantly clear that this driveway has been here long before these folks bought this home,” he told the board, citing aerial photographs from the 2000s.
Board members said they considered the statutory balancing test. One member said requiring removal of the driveway would likely increase on‑street parking and be a net detriment to the block. The board also noted letters of neighbor support that had been submitted to staff.
A motion to approve the variances applied the balancing test and concluded that, given the lot’s small irregular size and the preexisting conditions, the requested relief was appropriate. The board approved the motion by roll call: Fernando Arias, Carla Clapper, Charlotte Abadir, Robert Stanzial and Erica Azner voted yes.
The resolution as read into the record lists the specific numeric variances and will be returned to the board office for finalization.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meetingSponsors
Proudly supported by sponsors who keep New York articles free in 2025
