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Whiskey River cleared to build rear patio and retaining wall, with tree‑protection and historic board sign‑off
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a special permit and final site plan for an outdoor dining patio behind Whiskey River at 38 North Division Street, requiring tree‑protection measures, coordination with the Historic & Landmarks Preservation Board and confirmation that storm‑drainage and property boundaries are managed as presented in the applicant’s survey.
The commission approved a plan to convert an underused rear yard at Whiskey River (38 North Division Street) into an approximately 12‑table outdoor dining patio with retaining walls, fencing, screening plantings and storm‑drain inspection. Architect Marco Mandra said the design uses a Ready Rock prefabricated retaining wall system with garden‑top blocks to support plantings that will screen fall‑protection fencing; the design was adjusted after consultation with the Historic & Landmarks Preservation Board to replace a chain‑link fence with an aluminum fence and add screening and signage to direct customer flow.
Board members emphasized tree protection during excavation. Commissioner comments requested hand‑digging near root zones where the tree is to be preserved and asked the applicant to consult an arborist; owners confirmed an arborist had been engaged. The applicant committed to having plumbing and storm drainage inspected, and the board added standard conditions; the commission found the special‑use criteria met, deemed the action a Type II under SEQR/SEEKER, and approved the special permit and site plan with Historic Board concurrence required for final design.
