Planning board approves amendment to Carriage Hill subdivision to replace open basins with underground storm chambers

The Planning Board approved amendments to the Carriage Hill subdivision on May 7 to replace large, previously approved open storm basins with an engineered system of underground detention chambers and to record maintenance and access easements. Peter Scott, the applicant’s engineer, told the board the earlier design left basins that were unbuildable and posed dam‑safety concerns; the revised underground system attenuates runoff to the 100‑year storm event and improves access for maintenance.

Owner Rishabh Balow told the board he has spent significant personal funds to fix the parcel and that the amendment is needed for multiple homes in the subdivision to receive certificates of occupancy. “We’ve gone over and above as far as addressing everything,” Balow said, asking for prompt action because his construction loan timeline is constrained.

Staff confirmed the applicant will update HOA declarations and maintenance agreements to include routine maintenance, repair and replacement obligations for underground chambers and access roads. The board waived a separate public hearing on the amendment (staff reported supportive correspondence from within the HOA) and voted to approve both the amended subdivision plat and the subdivision improvement plans as revised. Staff will circulate finalized documents and the updated HOA language for filing and for Westchester County signoff as required.