The Rye Planning Commission reviewed plans for a redevelopment at 84-86 Purchase Street & 2-4 Purdy Avenue, which requires a significant Floor Area Ratio (FAR) variance to incorporate modern accessibility features. This project exemplifies the city's ongoing challenge of updating historic downtown buildings to meet current codes while navigating existing zoning limits.

What Happened

  • The applicant for 71 South Emerson Island Road reported that the Board of Appeals unanimously granted necessary variances for the proposed tennis courts on February 19. This clears a significant hurdle, allowing the Planning Commission to advance the site plan review.
  • The commission reviewed an application for 84-86 Purchase Street & 2-4 Purdy Avenue that seeks a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) variance from the allowable 2.00 to 2.36. This increased density is needed to add a central core with an elevator and wider stairs, bringing the merged buildings up to modern accessibility and building codes.
  • The proposed redevelopment at 84-86 Purchase Street & 2-4 Purdy Avenue would reduce total retail units from four to three and residential units from six to five. The plan preserves the existing brick building but replaces two other structures with a new core designed to provide central access to all floors.
  • For the 84-86 Purchase Street & 2-4 Purdy Avenue project, the commission declared its intent to be the lead agency for the coordinated environmental review (SEQR). They requested additional details on utility tie-ins, the concealed storm drain pipe running under the building, precise rooftop mechanicals concealment, and a detailed refuse room layout before further review.

Project Outcomes

  • 71 South Emerson Island Road (Tennis courts): Public hearing for the site plan and wetland permit was scheduled for the March 10 Planning Commission meeting.
  • 84-86 Purchase Street & 2-4 Purdy Avenue (Mixed-use redevelopment): Application for redevelopment and FAR variance reviewed, with the Planning Commission declaring intent to be lead agency for coordinated environmental review (SEQR).

What's Next

The Rye Planning Commission reviewed plans for a redevelopment at 84-86 Purchase Street & 2-4 Purdy Avenue, which requires a significant Floor Area Ratio (FAR) variance to incorporate modern accessibility features. This project exemplifies the city's ongoing challenge of updating historic downtown buildings to meet current codes while navigating existing zoning limits.