Planning Board approves Young Israel site plan with conditions

The New Rochelle Planning Board voted to approve the site plan for Young Israel of Scarsdale at 1313 Weaver Street after the applicant agreed to several staff‑recommended conditions, including a required valet special‑permit and an analysis of impacts at the Weaver/Daisy Farms intersection.

Attorney Diana Kolev summarized the project background and changes since the Board of Appeals review, saying the Board of Appeals “granted the variances ... subject to the condition that evergreen screening of the retaining wall along the west and south property lines ... remain in perpetuity” and noting the team had added tiered walls and additional landscaping in response. Project engineer Foster Tang described civil upgrades including widened drive aisles, tiered retaining walls and 12,685 square feet of porous pavement to increase on‑site stormwater storage.

Ari Weinberger, president of Young Israel, told the board the sanctuary will not be expanded and that the social hall expansion addresses current operational needs. “We are not expanding the sanctuary in any way, shape, or form,” Weinberger said, adding the enlarged social hall and new kitchen are intended to remove the need for overnight refrigerated trucks and tents used for events.

Staff and several board members pressed for conditions to ensure off‑site impacts are managed. Planning staff recommended a condition requiring a valet plan with an analysis of queuing and intersection impacts; additional conditions include DPW and NYSDOT permits where required, CCTV verification of an existing storm sewer within an easement, fire‑lane markings and compliance with tree‑removal rules. The board voted to declare lead agency, adopted a negative declaration under SEQR, and approved the site plan by voice vote.