The Greenburgh Planning Board deferred final approval for the Central Animal Hospital's proposed 10,447 square-foot facility at 718 Central Park Avenue South, pending detailed engineering reports on existing stormwater management and a retaining wall. The board showed its commitment to thoroughly reviewing existing site conditions before approving projects, even those with no proposed external changes.

What Happened

  • The board approved a special use permit for The PickleR, a new commercial recreation facility, on the condition that the applicant inspect and repair existing stormwater management facilities. This ensures the site's current environmental systems are functional for the new use.
  • The board issued a neutral recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a homeowner building a deck near a wetland, even though the project reduces existing non-compliant impervious surface. This means property improvements that still exceed code, even when making an environmental improvement, do not automatically earn a positive planning board endorsement.
  • The board closed the public hearing for a proposed animal hospital but left the record open to receive engineering reports on the stability of an existing retaining wall and the functionality of the existing stormwater system. Final approval hinges on these expert assurances about the site's current infrastructure.
  • The board granted a fifth 90-day extension for the preliminary subdivision approval of Elmwood Preserve, pushing the deadline to May 3, 2026. This allows the applicant and town staff more time to coordinate with the New York State DEC on outstanding issues.

Project Outcomes

  • The PickleR: Approved special use permit, conditioned on an inspection and repair of existing stormwater management facilities.
  • Greenburgh Nature Center: Approved steep slope and tree removal permits, conditioned on obtaining Westchester County Department of Health approvals for composting toilets.
  • Elmwood Preserve: Preliminary subdivision approval extended 90 days (through 05/03/2026) for the fifth time, reflecting ongoing inter-agency coordination.
  • Manaby: Minor project wetland water course permit process referred to the Town Wetlands Inspector after the board issued a neutral recommendation on the project's impervious surface variance.

What's Next

  • 718 Central Park Avenue South (Central Animal Hospital): Applicant must submit engineering reports on stormwater and retaining wall to the board by Friday, February 13, 12 PM.
  • Elmwood Preserve: Applicant and town staff will meet with the New York State DEC to clarify issues before a final subdivision approval decision can be finalized.
  • 95 Ardsley Road: The public hearing continues for steep slope and tree removal permits related to a new garage and pool.

The Greenburgh Planning Board deferred final approval for the Central Animal Hospital's proposed 10,447 square-foot facility at 718 Central Park Avenue South, pending detailed engineering reports on existing stormwater management and a retaining wall. The board showed its commitment to thoroughly reviewing existing site conditions before approving projects, even those with no proposed external changes.