Port Chester Planning Commission approves amended site plans for 229 Willett and 44 Broad; two hearings continued to July 29

The Port Chester Planning Commission on July 10 approved amended site plans for projects at 229 Willett Avenue and 44 Broad Street and moved two other applications to a July 29 meeting.

Chairman Michael Scarola presided over the special meeting at the Justice Courtroom. Commissioners in attendance included Berkowitz, Candelaria, Coperine, Espinoza, Hoge and Passarelli; Planning Director Greg Cutler, Village Attorney James Carpiniello and AKRF consultants were present.

229 Willett Avenue approved

The commission reopened public comment on Case #2023‑0250, an amended site plan for 229 Willett Avenue, with representation from attorney David Cooper of Zarin & Steinmetz, applicant J. Martino and co‑counsel K. Bradshaw. Staff and consultant review identified no outstanding issues. The commission noted a sewer‑connection detail will be finalized with the Building Department. No members of the public spoke for or against the application. The commission adopted a SEQRA Negative Declaration and approved the Site Plan Resolution for the project.

44 Broad Street approved

Case #2020‑0228, a proposed 15‑story redevelopment at 44 Broad Street comprising roughly 280 residential units, about 8,700 square feet of ground‑floor commercial space and self‑parking, was presented by David Cooper on behalf of Broad Street Owner LLC, with Kevin Leahey and Carlito Holt also appearing. Consultants reported no outstanding environmental issues and the applicant indicated a complete record was ready for decision. The commission approved a SEQRA Negative Declaration and the Site Plan Resolution. The applicant was asked to confirm a parking count of 324 spaces; staff noted the project may be short by up to nine spaces and must resolve that tally with the commission or staff.

Two hearings continued to July 29

Case #2024‑0252, an application to construct a three‑story self‑storage facility at 120 Midland Avenue, was reopened for discussion. Representatives said there were no outstanding technical issues but commission members asked for enhanced façade treatment on one side of the building. The Negative Declaration resolution and related materials will be finalized for the July 29 meeting; the hearing was adjourned to that date.

Case #2024‑0254, an application to convert an existing building at 189½ North Main Street into four loft‑style apartments, was presented by Anthony Tirone, Esq. Commissioner Passarelli recused from consideration of this matter. The commission waived a new rendering given only minor design changes but requested clarification on the working hours of an onsite parking attendant. Under the commission’s updated parking ratio of 1.5 spaces per unit, the project requires six parking spaces. The hearing was adjourned to July 29.

Votes at a glance

- Case #2023‑0250 (229 Willett Avenue): SEQRA Negative Declaration adopted; Site Plan Resolution approved. Motion(s) carried by the commission. - Case #2020‑0228 (44 Broad Street): SEQRA Negative Declaration adopted; Site Plan Resolution approved. Applicant to confirm parking count (324 reported; possible shortfall noted). - Case #2024‑0252 (120 Midland Avenue): Hearing continued to July 29, 2024 for final SEQRA and related documents. - Case #2024‑0254 (189½ North Main Street): Hearing continued to July 29, 2024; Commissioner Passarelli recused; parking and attendant hours to be clarified.

The commission adjourned the special meeting and set the next session for July 29, 2024.