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Proposed Rella Boulevard warehouse complex draws traffic and noise concerns; hearing continued
Summary
Rella Owner LLC proposed an 18.5-acre warehouse and 'flex' complex on Rella Boulevard; sound consultant said predicted noise would be below current ambient levels, but nearby residents warned of increased traffic and night deliveries. The Planning Board continued the public hearing to August and requested additional studies and materials.
Rella Owner LLC presented a site plan and special-permit application July 8 to build warehouses and smaller 'flex' spaces on an 18.5-acre lot at 300 Rella Boulevard in Montebello.
Attorney Ira Emanuel summarized prior iterations of the project and said tenant layouts are not yet determined. Sound consultant Danna Cuneo told the board that, based on ambient measurements from 2020 and March 2025 and the proposed mitigation (retaining walls functioning as sound barriers and wing walls on building corners), "Overall, there will be less noise than the current ambient levels." The applicant proposed limiting movement of vehicles with three or more axles to Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the applicant said negotiations with the Tallman Fire Department over emergency access were ongoing; the board had received a Tallman FD letter dated June 30, 2025.
Board members pressed for clarity on operations in 'flex' spaces, whether on-site staff will monitor hours and activities, and how the village will enforce restrictions if tenants change. Planner Max Stach said impacts such as public safety, noise and odors should be addressed in SEQR Part II and that the board had been Lead Agency for 28 days; a full Part II submission would better define uses and controls.
During the public hearing, residents voiced objections. Patricia Rummelsburg of 3 Ashwood Drive said, "Traffic on North Airmont Road has steadily worsened over the years," and urged board members to observe peak-hour conditions. Gayle Yodowitz, a resident of Montebello Commons, asked whether winter leaf loss would reduce screening and requested a berm with evergreens between her building and the project. Schavy Freund said she feared increased truck traffic past her house and nighttime box-truck activity.
Member Marlo Dickman moved to adjourn the application and public hearing to the August meeting; Member Nancy Doon seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to continue the matter. Emanuel asked the board to confirm that the village had retained both a sound consultant and a traffic consultant; staff confirmed both consultants had been secured.
Next steps: the applicant should submit any additional sound and traffic data requested by village consultants, provide responses to the Tallman Fire Department comments, and supply SEQR Part II materials as requested by planning staff.
