Pelham trustees split 3–3 and table semicircular driveway request for 26 Boulevard

The Village of Pelham Board of Trustees on June 9 debated a homeowner’s request to install a semicircular driveway with two curb cuts at 26 Boulevard and ultimately tabled the application after failing to reach the five votes required by local code for approval.

Karen Fellner, the architect for the property owner, described the semicircular driveway proposal as improving vehicle maneuverability, pedestrian safety and accessibility at a busy intersection near schools and recreational facilities. Planning Board Chair Ciro Greco recommended clarifying Village Code language that governs curb cuts, suggesting the Board consider amending the ordinance to limit properties to one curb cut per building lot.

Homeowner Tom Sampson said the semicircular design would allow vehicles to exit the property in a forward direction and "reduce conflicts with traffic and pedestrians," arguing it would decrease backing movements into the street. During debate, Trustee Anderson, Trustee Howell and Trustee Otondi supported allowing two curb cuts for this application, while Deputy Mayor Carpenter, Trustee Eldahry and Trustee Solomon wanted the applicant to submit an alternative design that retains a single curb cut.

Mayor Mullen noted the application did not receive the five votes required by §79-6H of the Village Code and the Board tabled consideration until the applicant provides an alternative driveway design.

What’s next: The applicant is expected to submit an alternative design for Board consideration; the Board also discussed the possibility of pursuing a code amendment to clarify curb-cut limits.