Rye's Planning Commission deferred a proposed backyard pool and site development at 7 Elmwood Avenue, instructing the applicant to revise plans to avoid building within a wetland buffer. The move reinforces the board's stance that developers must first reduce environmental impact before proposing mitigation measures.

What Happened

  • The commission deferred the 7 Elmwood Ave pool project, stating that new construction must reduce its footprint within a wetland buffer before proposing compensatory planting. This means the board expects applicants to explore all options to avoid environmental encroachment, not just offset it.
  • Shadrack Shore Club received acceptance for a modified site plan that adds square footage and an elevator to an existing structure. The club confirmed it remains compliant with floor area ratio (FAR) limits and avoided a variance due to the prior removal of shuffleboard courts.
  • Consultants for the Nursing Island Club presented updated photometric plans for proposed tennis court lighting, incorporating custom shields and time limits to mitigate light spill onto adjacent properties. This addresses neighbor concerns about light pollution.
  • The commission discussed procedures for tree removal on properties over one acre, underscoring that all significant removals will face scrutiny even if individual healthy trees are technically permitted for removal by code. This indicates stricter oversight for protecting Rye's tree canopy.

Project Outcomes

  • 7 Elmwood Ave (Pool and Site Development): Deferred; the applicant must revise plans to reduce impervious surface within the off-site wetland buffer.
  • Shadrack Shore Club (Site Plan Modification): Accepted; the expanded club remains compliant with zoning requirements for floor area ratio (FAR).

What's Next

  • The 7 Elmwood Ave applicant must revise site plans to minimize impervious surfaces within the wetland buffer and resubmit them for commission review.
  • The Nursing Island Club's consultants will finalize lighting plans, including custom shielding, before seeking further approvals.
  • The Planning Commission will continue to review applications impacting natural resources at future meetings.

Rye's Planning Commission deferred a proposed backyard pool and site development at 7 Elmwood Avenue, instructing the applicant to revise plans to avoid building within a wetland buffer. The move reinforces the board's stance that developers must first reduce environmental impact before proposing mitigation measures.