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Neighbor concerns addressed as Planning Commission approves driveway and retaining‑wall work at 693 North Division Street
Summary
After hearing written and in‑person objections from a neighboring homeowner about a shared stone retaining wall and drainage, the commission approved final site‑plan changes at 693 North Division Street. Approval is conditioned on sequencing, a site meeting with the city engineer and the building inspector, and additional drainage/underpinning details to protect adjacent properties.
The commission approved final site‑plan changes that will create a new two‑car driveway, modify an existing retaining wall and add a patio at 693 North Division Street, after a neighbor raised concerns about a shared stone wall, drainage and the proximity of excavation to an older home. Applicant's architect described excavation and underpinning plans and committed to sequencing work so the adjacent stone wall is not undermined. The board required a site meeting with the city engineer and building inspector and asked for test pits or underpinning details to be shown on revised plans prior to reconstruction.
Neighbor Connie Ma described her house as less than a meter from a portion of the existing concrete wall and asked the commission to ensure the plan documents the footing depth and drainage so the older structure is not compromised. The applicant agreed to add weep holes, drainage treatment and to coordinate inspections; the board closed the hearing, deemed the action Type II under SEQR and granted approval subject to the conditions in the staff report and the site‑meeting requirement.
