ZBA legalizes four apartments at York Farm Estates, developer pledges affordable units

The Yorktown Zoning Board of Appeals voted June 25 to grant a variance to legalize four rental units at York Farm Estates, 1870 Baldwin Road, increasing the development’s floor‑area ratio to 0.207 where 0.20 is permitted in the R3 zone.

Joseph Reena of Principal Site Design Consultants represented Westchester Management LLC and the Bergman family, who purchased the property about a year ago. Reena said the buyer discovered four units that lacked certificates of occupancy; those units were vacated and the owners are now seeking to legalize them through an amended site plan and zoning variance. A planning‑department memo (May 26) recommended approval, concluding the additional studio and one‑bedroom units would not have an adverse impact and that parking (1.5 spaces per unit) is adequate.

At the hearing Jacob Bergman said the owners intend to restore a development commitment discussed during the 1996 approval — specifically five Section 8 units and five affordable units — and that they are working with the housing board to finalize those arrangements. “We’re willing to set that up and in fact, we’re working towards that,” Reena said when describing discussions with the housing board.

The building inspector reported no objections to granting the relief, and the ZBA approved the variance to increase the FAR to 0.207 with the stipulation that the project be built in substantial conformity to the plans submitted and that required building permits and certificates of occupancy be secured. The planning board will continue site‑plan review and has a public hearing scheduled.