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Timber Ridge HOA seeks steep‑slopes permit to replace failing retaining walls and stabilize yards
Summary
Timber Ridge Condominium requested a site‑plan amendment and steep‑slopes permit for multiple areas of failing timber retaining walls, replacement with stone or Unilock walls, installation of gravel stabilization beds behind units, and new stairs. Staff requested detailed dimensions, disturbance calculations and tree‑protection plans before the Board advances the application.
The Timber Ridge Homeowners Association appeared before the Planning Board Sept. 8 seeking amendments to an existing site plan and a steep‑slopes permit for a multi‑phase repair project.
Engineer Ralph Alfonzetti and HOA president Stefan Vasilescu described four work areas that include replacing rotting timber retaining walls with stone or Unilock walls generally four feet or less in height, extending existing Unilock walls with connecting stair accesses, and stabilizing shaded rear yards with gravel beds to control mud and erosion.
Staff and board members requested more precise dimensions, noting the steep‑slopes code measures wall length in runs (60‑foot thresholds were cited) and that cumulative wall runs should be dimensioned to confirm compliance. Village Engineer Anthony Oliveri asked the applicant to add a disturbance area estimate (noting that more than 5,000 sq ft of disturbance would trigger DEC permit consideration), map staging zones, and incorporate tree‑protection measures near retained trees. Several owners on the call raised questions about which plantings would be kept and whether the HOA or individual owners are responsible for maintenance; the HOA president said the areas in question are common property and the Board would follow up with owners on specific unit impacts.
The applicant agreed to provide clarified drawings showing existing approved gravel areas, exact wall lengths and heights, tree removal or protection plans, and to meet with staff to confirm whether prior deck‑project variances and conditions require additional variance relief for the new work. Staff will hold a site meeting with the engineer to review the detailed materials.
What happens next: The applicant will meet with staff to finalize the permit package and return with revised plans that show wall dimensions, disturbance totals and tree preservation details; the Board asked for an accurate depiction of existing vs. proposed gravel and landscaped areas before rendering a decision.
