New Rochelle's Planning Board voiced significant concerns over a proposed four-unit building at 516 Pelham Rd, citing its density and numerous variances that far exceed current zoning.

Catching Up

The development at 516 Pelham Rd proposes a three-story building with four attached dwelling units on a 0.21-acre vacant lot, which was formerly a gas station. The property, now zoned for multi-family, requires an area variance for its four-unit plan. This project is part of a broader trend of new townhome construction along Pelham Road.

Key Insights

The Planning Board expressed serious reservations about the project's proposed scale and its deviation from zoning regulations.

  • The application for a three-story, four-unit building at 516 Pelham Rd was discussed, but the applicant, Tom Abillama, was not present.
  • Seven substantial variances were identified, including those for dwelling units, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), and lot area per dwelling unit.
  • Board members highlighted that the proposed density for 516 Pelham Rd significantly exceeds current zoning requirements.

Notable Moments

Board members expressed significant concerns regarding the project at 516 Pelham Rd. One board member articulated the sentiment, stating, "The proposed density of four units, given the lot size and current zoning, appears to be greatly out of scale and demands a significant number of variances that give us pause." The discussion highlighted the struggle to balance development aspirations with existing zoning limits.

Zooming In

The 0.21-acre vacant lot at 516 Pelham Rd was formerly a gas station. This history raises potential environmental concerns regarding contamination that would need to be addressed before any development proceeds. The property's current multi-family (RMF0.5) zoning district designation is a key factor in the density concerns, as the proposed four-unit structure greatly exceeds its provisions.

Next Steps

With the applicant, Tom Abillama, absent from this meeting, no immediate action was taken on the 516 Pelham Rd application. The Planning Board will likely require the applicant to address the identified variances and density concerns in a future presentation.

New Rochelle's Planning Board voiced significant concerns over a proposed four-unit building at 516 Pelham Rd, citing its density and numerous variances that far exceed current zoning.