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Montebello Planning Board approves Residential Gathering Place and private mikvah at 8 Henry Court
Summary
The Planning Board granted a conditional special permit and site-plan approval for a Residential Gathering Place and private mikvah at 8 Henry Court, finding planning and engineering concerns addressed and attaching conditions including a stream control permit and a $1,850 wastewater fee.
The Village of Montebello Planning Board on June 10 granted final conditional special permit and site-plan approval to convert a residential garage into a Residential Gathering Place and to construct a private mikvah at 8 Henry Court.
Chairman Anthony Caridi and the five-member board voted unanimously after Village Planner Max Stach and Village Engineer Martin Spence reported that the applicant had addressed prior planning and engineering comments. Applicant attorney Joseph Churgin and engineer Josip Medic submitted revised plans that removed a 15-foot pole-mounted light, modified the proposed fence, and clarified the mikvah square footage, the board record shows.
The board adopted Resolution PB03 of 2025, citing Village of Montebello zoning provisions (including §195-79.1) and a SEQRA determination that the project is a Type II action requiring no further environmental review. The resolution requires the applicant to obtain a stream control permit from the Rockland County Drainage Agency, submit a wastewater questionnaire and pay a $1,850 fee to Rockland County Sewer District No. 1, and comply with outstanding technical comments from the Village Engineer dated June 7, 2025.
Two residents spoke in support during the public hearing. Moshe Engel of 21 Mayer Drive told the board he would "very much appreciate it if the Board approved this because I attend this shul, which is near to my house." Chana Walter of 1 Astri Court said she was "thrilled that there will be a place for services nearby" and thanked the board for considering the application.
The resolution also notes that the property is partially within the Mahwah River overlay (W-EPOD) and that the applicant previously received area variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals for floor area ratio, side-yard setback and parking. The approval is conditional on adhering to representations made during review, county planning recommendations (except Recommendation 7 regarding federal wetlands review), required permits and payment of fees. The conditional approval will expire 18 months from the date of approval if a building permit is not filed.
The Planning Board recorded the roll-call vote as Anthony Caridi, Stan Shipley, Joan Materna, Ariel Aufgang and Marlo Dickman voting yes, 0 nays.
