White Plains Planning Board delayed a public hearing for a project at 101 Hillaire after discovering the applicant performed unapproved work, including removing mature trees and rock outcroppings on an environmentally sensitive site. The board firmly asserted its authority, demanding detailed remediation plans before moving forward.

What Happened

  • The board discovered extensive unapproved work at 101 Hillaire, including the removal of mature trees and rock outcroppings from an environmentally sensitive site. It delayed the project's public hearing, demanding a detailed plan from the developer to rectify the damage.
  • The board did not object to the 274 Hamilton Avenue Gulf Station's plan to expand its convenience store and add more gas pumps. It recommended the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) implement strict traffic controls, including a right-turn-only exit onto Cottage Place, to address the site's historical congestion issues.
  • An applicant for 454 Ridgeway proactively moved a proposed house on an environmentally sensitive site to avoid cutting down mature trees. The board praised this decision, contrasting it with other projects' disregard for environmental features.

Project Outcomes

  • 101 Hillaire (Site plan amendment for driveway, patio, walls): Public hearing delayed after board discovered extensive unapproved tree removal and site disturbance on an environmentally sensitive property, requiring the developer to submit detailed remediation plans.
  • 4 Hewitt Avenue (House addition): Public hearing scheduled for February 24, with the contractor confirming hand-digging foundations could protect steep slopes on the environmentally sensitive property.
  • 274 Hamilton Avenue (Gulf Station): Special permit amendment for convenience store expansion and new gas pumps was not objected to by the board, but it recommended the ZBA mandate a traffic study and implement strict egress controls.
  • 454 Ridgeway (Single-family house): Minor site plan amendment to move the house was approved without objection, as the revised placement proactively protected mature trees on an environmentally sensitive site.

What's Next

  • February 4: The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will consider the Gulf Station application, with the Planning Board's letter recommending strict traffic management, including a right-turn-only exit onto Cottage Place.
  • February 24 Planning Board meeting: The applicant for 101 Hillaire must present revised plans detailing the unapproved work and proposing environmental remediation for the removed trees and disturbed site.
  • February 24 Planning Board meeting: Public hearing scheduled for the 4 Hewitt Avenue house addition, where the applicant's architect and engineer must be present.

White Plains Planning Board delayed a public hearing for a project at 101 Hillaire after discovering the applicant performed unapproved work, including removing mature trees and rock outcroppings on an environmentally sensitive site. The board firmly asserted its authority, demanding detailed remediation plans before moving forward.