Bronxville ZBA approves 12‑month retroactive extension for three‑unit project after split vote

The Bronxville Zoning Board of Appeals voted 3–2 on May 20 to approve a retroactive, 12‑month extension of a variance for a three‑unit project, extending the permit window from 05/28/2025 to 05/28/2026.

Vice Chair Martin Muir, who opened the hearing and read the application details, moved the resolution to extend the existing variance. Jeanne Regan voted in favor, saying she looked forward to the applicant completing the work: "I vote in favor of the extension. Looking forward to you guys getting to work on this. It's been hanging out there for a while." Charles Law and John Brown voted against the extension, expressing concern about the amount of time requested and uncertainty about project progress. Mary Ellen Carpenter and Vice Chair Muir voted yes, and Muir said he believed the project "will enhance the neighborhood." The final tally was 3 yes, 2 no, and the resolution passed.

The extension is retroactive and does not change the board's stated role: members emphasized they were only deciding whether to extend the zoning variance, not to approve any condo conversion or provide any separate letter about tax‑lot reconfiguration. Staff clarified that once a building permit is issued the permit-holder typically has six months to start work and two years to complete construction, conditions that remain in force.

The vote and its narrow margin followed lengthy questioning about whether a six‑month extension would be more appropriate and whether the applicant could meet a shorter deadline. The board recorded the action as approving the existing variance amendment to run through 05/28/2026.