Board approves attached garage and guest suite at 84 Park Avenue; cherry tree to be preserved

The Bronxville Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to allow construction of an attached garage, mudroom and guest bedroom suite at 84 Park Avenue, permitting the demolition of an existing nonconforming attached garage with a 3.4-foot setback and its replacement by a larger, accessible addition. Elizabeth Pratt of Pratt & Black Architects presented the plan, saying the design will match the French Norman style of the main house and remain within allowable lot coverage and FAR.

"It's important to the owner that the design of the addition complement the French Norman style of the existing main house with matching fieldstone at the base, traditional stucco cladding, divided windows and a cedar roof," Elizabeth Pratt said, describing materials and massing. The proposal aims to provide level access from a garage into a conditioned mudroom to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, and includes a guest suite intended for elderly relatives.

Board members focused questions on drainage, the condition of a falling retaining wall and preservation of a mature cherry tree in the rear yard. Presenters said the retaining wall will be rebuilt (structurally concrete, stone-clad for appearance), they will submit civil engineering drainage plans and percolation tests, and they have consulted an arborist who advised the tree’s root spread is smaller than assumed and that the plan should avoid excavation that would harm it; presenters noted one tree might still be affected by wall work.

Chair Stuart McIntosh proposed a variance under Section 310-9(d) to permit the attached addition; the board approved the request unanimously (4–0) and asked that any drainage concerns be addressed before final approvals. The applicants indicated they completed required mailings to neighbors and provided an affidavit of notification.