Board approves subdivision at 55 Pondfield Parkway after environmental review; neighbors urge further studies

The Mount Vernon Planning Board on Jan. 7 approved a subdivision application (Case PB-24-2) that would split a 20,000-square-foot lot at 55 Pondfield Parkway into two 10,000-square-foot parcels and allow demolition of the existing residence to make way for two new single-family homes. The board voted, with the chair recused and Acting Chair Charles Whites presiding, to accept staff-prepared EAF Parts 2 and 3 and to adopt a SEQRA Negative Declaration; the recorded votes on the motions were 6-0.

Neighbors and their counsel urged the board to consider additional environmental studies before moving forward. Joanne Zach told the board that "three environmental studies that were originally identified as necessary to evaluate the project were never completed," and other neighbors raised concerns about bedrock blasting, stormwater impacts, and the presence of mold and asbestos in the house slated for demolition. Owner’s attorney Mark Blanchard said that all requirements of the Building Department and New York State have been met.

Procedural motions recorded in the minutes include Chair Selsey’s recusal from further discussion at neighbors’ request, Commissioner Helene Njenga’s motion to accept EAF Parts 2 and 3 (seconded by Commissioner Vivien Salmon, approved 6-0), Njenga’s motion to adopt a Negative Declaration (seconded by Commissioner Jamael Thompson, approved 6-0), Commissioner Charles Whites’ motion to close the public hearing (seconded by Njenga, approved 6-0), and Commissioner Jamael Thompson’s motion to approve the resolution as written (seconded by Njenga, approved 6-0). The board adjourned at 8:07 p.m.