Rye's Planning Commission pressed a developer to significantly reduce the size of a proposed pool and patio that would encroach into a wetland buffer, requesting a revised plan. The board's directive means new impervious surfaces in sensitive environmental zones will face strict scrutiny, even with proposed mitigation.

What Happened

  • The board questioned the applicant's proposed 1,740 square feet of new impervious surface (pool, patios) within the wetland buffer, pushing for a substantial reduction and relocation. The applicant must redesign the project to shrink the development closer to the existing house footprint and further from the wetland.
  • The commission scheduled a public hearing for a proposed three-story residential/office building at 43 Locust Avenue after the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) sought the commission's input on a parking variance. This means the board will gather public feedback on the proposed five-space parking plan, which is fewer than code requires.
  • The board granted a one-year extension for the American Yacht Club's construction approval, which was nearing its May expiration date. This allows ongoing construction to proceed without needing a new approval process.

Project Outcomes

  • 43 Locust Avenue (residential/office building): Sent to public hearing on March 24 to gather resident input on the proposed building and its parking variance.
  • American Yacht Club (construction extension): Approved for a one-year extension, allowing ongoing construction to continue past the original May deadline.
  • Proposed Pool and Patio Project (wetland encroachment): Materially amended by board directive; applicant must submit revised plans with a significantly smaller impervious footprint within the wetland buffer.

What's Next

  • March 24 Public Hearing: The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the 43 Locust Avenue application, gathering community input on the proposed development and parking plan.
  • Pool Project Redesign: The applicant for the pool project must submit revised plans that significantly reduce the impervious footprint within the wetland buffer, moving the pool and associated patios closer to the main house.