Architectural Review Board

Architectural Review Board Department of Planning & Community Development City Hall - Roosevelt Square Mount Vernon, New York 10550-2060 (914) 699-7230 Shawyn Patterson-Howard Robin Myers Mayor Chair ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 28, 2023 A regular meeting of the Architectural Review Board was held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 6:30 PM in the Memorial Room on the 2 n d Floor in Mount Vernon City Hall. ITEM #1 - ROLL CALL - Chair Robin Myers called the roll: in addition to the Chair, Commissioners Lynda Sanchez and Buzz Riley were present. Also attending were Deputy Commissioner Marlon Molina, William Hyland, Senior Planner, Maria Pace, Land Use Boards secretary, and U. Nkechi Nwachukwu, land use counsel. With a quorum present, the Chair opened the meeting at 6:30 PM. The meeting was live streamed on CMVNY Facebook. ITEM #2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES The May 23, 2023 minutes were approved. Commissioner Sanchez made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 3-0. ITEM #3 PUBLIC MEETING Continued Public Hearing 3.1 ARB # 23-21 2023: 342 South First Avenue (Section 169.31, Block 3120, Lot 16) in the RMF- 6.75 District. The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on June 14, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s June 28, City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes June 28, 2023 2023 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property was provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner, Mr. Collin Douglass, was represented by Mr. Shahin Badaly, Engineer. The Applicant requested a certificate of appropriateness for the construction of a new wooden deck with vinyl fence at the rear yard, proposed vinyl fence within the front and side yards, proposed retaining wall and railing at the front yard, widening the existing steps at the front porch, and replacement of existing concrete driveway apron to match existing materials. The subject property is on a 5,270-sf lot located on the west side of South First Avenue, approximately 300’ to the north of the intersection with East Fifth Street. The property has 50’ frontage with 105’ depth and is in the RMF-6.75 zone. Property is occupied by an existing 2 ½ story, one-family frame dwelling. The rear yard is 47’ with 14’ front yard and 13.5’ combined side yards. Photographs of the residence and surrounding houses were provided. The approximately 250 sf wooden deck was proposed adjacent to the rear of the house. Applicant was requested to provide catalog cuts and detail information for the materials being proposed. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a “Type II” action under SEQRA based on DEC 617.5 (c) (11) "construction or expansion of a single family, a two-family or a three-family residence on an approved lot ......” therefore, ending the SEQRA process. Mr. Badaly advised that the fascia would no longer be brick, but stone instead. The stone contrasts enough to pick up the yellow in the brick. Commissioner Riley inquired if the stone blocks have corners. Mr. Badaly explained that the cast stone blocks interlock and do have corners. Mr. Badaly also mentioned that new white fencing will be installed to the right of the house with pillars. Commissioner Riley suggested adding another pillar that would adjoin the two new fences together. After further discussion, the ARB requested the following conditions: 1. Install wrought iron fencing on the north side of the driveway 2. Install corners on the stacked stone fascia 3. Correct the error in the drawings indicating two feet of fill. Commissioner Riley moved to approve the application with the conditions, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and approved by a vote of 3-0. 2 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes June 28, 2023 Continued Public Hearing 3.2 Case # ARB-23-32 2023: 353 South Third Avenue (Section 169.31, Block 3115, Lot 23) in the RMF-6.75 District (two-family). The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on June 13, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s June 28, 2023 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property was provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner, Mr. Elton Williams, was represented by Mr. Carlos M Sosa Streber, Applicant and Mr. Peter Klein, Architect. The subject property is a 6,262 sf property on the east side of South Third Avenue, 100’ to the north of East Fifth Street. The property has 50’ frontage on South Third Avenue with a depth of 125.25’. The property is occupied by a 2 story stucco, two-family residence with an attic. There is an existing one-story at the rear. Applicant requested a certificate of appropriateness for the construction of a second story front and rear extension, removal of existing one car garage and relocation of new one car garage at the rear of the residence. Additionally, the front stoop will be repaired, the rear door and the rear exterior platform and steps will be relocated. The new one car garage (400 sf) will be relocated at the rear of the residence at the end of the extended driveway. The exterior stucco wall will be color-matched to the existing white color. There will be a new shingle roof (slate gray). Applicant provided a rendering of the renovated residence with landscaping shown in and around the yard. There will be one tree removed to accommodate the construction of the new garage. The existing sidewalk is in poor condition and should be replaced by the applicant along with the broken granite curb. Applicant should also include plant trees in the front yard since there is insufficient room for street trees in the City r-o-w at the curb. No variances were needed for the project. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a “Type II” action under SEQRA based on DEC 617.5 (c) (12) "construction, expansion or placement of minor accessory/appurtenant residential structures, including garages, carports, patios, decks, swimming pools, tennis courts, satellite dishes, fences, barns, storage sheds or other buildings not changing land use or density;” ......” therefore, ending the SEQRA process. Commissioner Riley asked what the height of the pillars were in the back of the house. He also asked how big the landing would be and if there were physical limitations to having a landing in front of the door. After further discussion, the ARB requested the following conditions: 1. Provide written confirmation of the required clearance height for the storage area; code requires height of 6-8 ft. 3 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes June 28, 2023 2. Add exterior landing areas to the two doors shown on the proposed right-side view rendering. Commissioner Sanchez moved to approve the application with the conditions, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 3-0. Continued Public Hearing 3.3 Case # ARB-23-31 2023: 11 Hamilton Avenue (Section 115.33, Block 2042, Lot 2) in the R1-7 District (single-family). The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on June 13, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s June 28, 2023 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property had been provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner, Mr. Anthony Annunziata, was represented by Mr. Carlos M Sosa Streber, Applicant and Mr. Ralph Tedesco, Architect. The subject property is a 7,500 sf property on the north side of Hamilton Avnue, 118’ to the west of North Columbus Avenue. The lot property has 75’ frontage on Hamilton Avenue and a depth of 100’. The property is occupied by a 2 ½ story stucco, single- family residence. The residence is in poor condition. Applicant has requested a certificate of appropriateness for the construction of a second story front and rear extension, removal of existing one car garage and relocation of new one car garage at the rear of the residence. Additionally, the front stoop will be repaired, the rear door and the rear exterior platform and steps will be relocated. The new one car garage (400 sf) will be relocated at the rear of the residence at the end of the extended driveway. The exterior stucco wall will be color matched to the existing white color. There will be a new shingle roof (slate gray). Applicant provided a rendering of the renovated residence with landscaping shown in and around the yard. There will be one tree removed to accommodate the construction of the new garage. The existing sidewalk is in poor condition and should be replaced by the applicant as well as the broken granite curb. Applicant should also include plant trees in the front yard since there is not enough room for street trees in the City r-o-w at the curb. There are no variances needed for the project. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a “Type II” action under SEQRA based on DEC 617.5 (c) (12) "construction, expansion or placement of minor accessory/appurtenant residential structures, including garages, carports, patios, decks, swimming pools, tennis courts, satellite dishes, fences, barns, storage sheds or other buildings not changing land use or density;” ......” therefore, ending the SEQRA process. 4 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes June 28, 2023 Commissioner Riley commented that the turnaround in front of the garage does not work as it is very narrow. The owners advised that they were not concerned about this as they drive a small car (Mini Cooper) that can navigate the space. After further discussion, the ARB requested the following conditions: • Windows shall be six-over-zero • Native plants shall be used for landscaping Commissioner Riley moved to approve the application with the conditions, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and approved by a vote of 3-0. New Public Hearing 3.4 Case # ARB-23-33 (2023): 450 South 2nd Avenue (Section 169.39, Block 3116, Lot 31) in the RMF- 6.75 District. The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on June 12, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s June 28, 2023 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property had been provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner is Mr. Rodney Boyd. He was represented by his engineer, Mr. Shahin Badaly, PE. The subject property is a 5,250 sf lot in the RMF-6.75 zone approximately 250’ north of East Sandford Boulevard. The property has 50’ frontage on South 2nd Avenue with 105’ depth. The property is occupied by a single-story, detached frame single family residence. There is a one story front porch and a front yard of almost 25’. There will rmain a rear yard of There is an existing one car garage in the southwest corner of the property. The driveway is on the south side of the lot. The only extension of the footprint of the residence is the addition of a new staircase on the north side of the residence. This new staircase leaves 5.15’ for the side yard setback. Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for a second-floor addition. The addition will be constructed on top of most of the first floor with an outdoor roof deck with railing on the remaining flat roof. The Plan Examiner Report is dated 4/24/23 and indicates the need for only ARB approval. There is an almost 25’ front yard and the rear yard remains at approximately 30’. The second-floor addition will be approximately 700 sf including a den, master bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet and a new stair landing. The Applicant has provided catalog cuts of 5 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes June 28, 2023 the white vinyl siding for the addition and new windows. The roof will be comprised of asphalt shingle with wood grain as shown in the catalog information. In addition to the Plan Examiner Report and floor plans and elevations, Applicant has provided a Survey and color phots of the elevations of the existing residence. There is no lighting shown on the plans nor is there a landscape plan provided. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a “Type II” action under SEQRA based on DEC 617.5 (c) (12) "construction, expansion or placement of minor accessory/appurtenant residential structures, including garages, carports, patios, decks, swimming pools, tennis courts, satellite dishes, fences, barns, storage sheds or other buildings not changing land use or density;” ......” therefore, ending the SEQRA process. Mr. Badaly explained that the owner wants to add a second floor to create a master bedroom. A staircase will be added outside. Currently, there are different types of siding on the house, both vertical and horizontal, so the siding will be replaced in white to make everything uniform. There will be a door on the second floor that will lead to the roof area, which will be asphalt. Commissioner Riley asked if the metal overhang on the porch will be replaced. Mr. Boyd, the owner, said that nothing on the porch is being replaced. Mr. Badaly explained that there will be white double-hung windows with white trim with a four- inch cap around the windows. Commissioner Riley suggested that the columns be refaced, and that the owner should go with a grey roof, not black, as the color will age better. Commissioner Sanchez then moved to approve the application, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 3-0. New Public Hearing 3.5 Case # ARB-23-38 (2023): 341 North High Street (Section 165.45- 1094-43) in the RMF-10 District (Multi-family) The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on June 12, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s June 28, 2023 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property had been provided with notice of today’s meeting. 6 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes June 28, 2023 The owner, Mr. Sahad Mahmood, is being represented by Mr. Tom Abillama, Architect. ARB is requested to review the conversion of an existing 2-story office and industrial structure into residential and office use with a third-floor addition with a total of nine residential units and 15 parking spaces. The parking spaces include 8 indoor parking spaces and 7 spaces in an outdoor parking lot including visitor spaces. The site improvements also include stormwater management system, lighting, and landscaping. The building will have a Tudor design consisting of masonry work and stucco. The Project name is Sialkot Court. Applicant revised his plans to reduce the number of residential units from ten to nine apartments. The floor plans now include five apartments on the second floor and 4 apartments on the third floor. The plans have eliminated the existing office space, storage and manufacturing uses. The project now provides a party room with 884 sf has been added on the second floor replacing one apartment unit. The revised plans include a new 770-sf community room, 564 sf covered courtyard space, and an 88-sf open courtyard space. The usable open space for the project is now 4,456- sf. Applicant is installing decorative sliding gate for the parking area located underneath the building. The 3,180-sf outdoor parking lot is adjacent to the building. Applicant has added green sustainability features to the project. These include a 1,100-sf green roof and 570-sf of solar panels on the roof and an additional 412 sf of open area under a pergola has been added to the roof for the use of residents. It will also be a more energy efficient building adhering to the NYS updated energy code. The project is in line with the City’s green policies. The applicant has received ZBA approval as well as Planning Board approval for the site plan. The Planning Board approved the site plan on March 1, 2023. The Planning Board Resolution will be provided to the ARB with the conditions. SEQRA Determination – SEQRA has already been reviewed by the Planning Board which issued a Negative Declaration and closed out SEQRA for the Project. Mr. Abillama explained that the project is a conversion from a two-story brick and stucco structure to a three-story residential building. The first and second floors remain the same with the addition of a third floor. The ZBA allowed the variance for the third floor and the warehouse to be used as living space. Commissioner Riley asked if the requirements for the RMF-10 were still met. Mr. Abillama said they were. He also said that lighting and security cameras would be installed and that an elevator would be added along with the existing steps. Six apartments will be handicap accessible. The residence is Tudor-style with double-hung windows; the door will be light brown in color. Per the parking code, there will be two spots per apartment. Rental apartments will be ~$2,000/month. Landscaping will include evergreen hedges and Smart turf. 7 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes June 28, 2023 The Chair asked if planters or trees could be added for some softness. She also asked where the pergola is located. Mr. Abillama explained that the roof area will also include Smart turf and solar panels, with a battery backup system for the panels. The Chair then asked if there were any comments from the public. The owner of 339 N. High St. asked if the sign for the residence will be more than 75 ft. from the curb. The Chair requested that here be low lighting near the gates as an indicator that the gate is there. Mr. Abillama said that the gates will be able to open automatically during a power outage. After further discussion, the ARB recommended the following conditions: • Submit color sample for garage and entrance door • Submit a different iteration of the front door • Provide subtle lighting/ground landscape lighting at the driveway • Provide markings on the driveway for handicap, visitor, no parking, and residents only areas; identify tow-away zones. Commissioner Riley then moved to approve the application with the noted conditions, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and approved by a vote of 3-0. There being no other business, the Chair asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Riley made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez and approved by a vote of 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 pm. Maria Pace Land Use Secretary Bob Galvin AICP, Planning Administrator 8