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 DECEMBER 13, 2023 A regular meeting of the Architectural Review Board was held on Wednesday, December 13, 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 Sylvia Woods, Linda Sanchez, and Buzz Riley were present. Also attending were 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 November 14, 2023, minutes were approved. Commissioner Woods made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and approved by a vote of 4-0. ITEM #3 - PUBLIC MEETINGS Continued Public Hearing 3.4 – ARB-23-100: 117 Magnolia Avenue (Section 165.57, Block 2098, Lot 24) in the R1-7 District. The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes December 13, 2023 November 21, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s December 13 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property has been provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner, Ms. Liza Contreras, is being represented by Mr. Joseph Kleinmann of Kleinmann Architects. The subject property is located on Magnolia Avenue in the R1-7: One Family Residence Zoning District. The property is occupied by a 2-story, single family residence. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for the alterations of the existing two- story single family residence including changes to the existing front porch and door, erecting a white vinyl fence near the property line around the rear and side yards to align with the building’s street wall, installing pervious pavers in the rear yard, repaving the driveway and adding new roof shingles, vinyl siding and red brick veneer in kind with the existing house. 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 including provision of necessary utility connections as provided in 617.5(c)(13).....” therefore, ending the SEQRA process. Mr. Joseph Kleinmann, the architect, explained the prior issue with the railing, which was installed temporarily so that the owners could see what it looked like. It has subsequently been removed and will be reinstalled once the application has been approved. Commissioner Riley asked for clarification on what work has been done and what work will be done. Mr. Kleinmann explained that last year, a new roof and staircase in the back were installed as well as pavers. The pavers on the driveway and in the rear would be legalized through this application. This year, the railing on the roof and a new fence will be installed. Commissioner Woods then made a motion to approve the application, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and approved by a vote of 4-0. Continued Public Hearing 3.2 – ARB-23-101: 152 Cottage Avenue (Section 165.55, Block 1160, Lot 8) in the RMF-6.75 District. The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on November 29, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s December 13 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property has been provided with notice of today’s meeting. 2 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes December 13, 2023 The owner, Ms. Dawnette McLaren, is being represented by Mr. Shahin Badaly of Badaly Engineering PLLC. The subject property is located on Cottage Avenue in the RMF-6.75: Multifamily Residence Zoning District. The property is occupied by a 2 1/2-story, three family residence. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for the proposed renovations of her existing three-family residence. The renovations would involve the exterior renovation of the existing residence with new roof material, windows and doors, an added steel staircase on the residence’s rear elevation for upper floor access, enlarging the existing paved driveway to accommodate a new outdoor parking space, a raised third floor wall and the existing garage space’s conversion into habitable living space with new entrance steps on the side elevation. 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 including provision of necessary utility connections as provided in 617.5(c)(13).....” therefore, ending the SEQRA process. Mr. Kevin Munene, representing Shahin Badaly, explained that the roof line on the garage had been redesigned. Ms. Dawnette McLaren, the owner, showed metal roof samples that mimic shingles; they are insulated and prevent heat buildup at the top of the house. There is a 30% cost difference between the metal roof and the asphalt roof originally under consideration and the metal roof will be more durable. She said that the roof color will be Weatherwood Plus by TEK Industries, and the house color will be Behr Cottage White, warmer and creamier than just white. The Chair asked about landscaping and the lighting fixtures. Ms. McLaren confirmed that the landscaping will include all native plants, and the two lamp posts on the front and rear will be replaced in the same style in black. The two stone pillars will be demolished, and the stone then repurposed to build stairs. Commissioner Sanchez then made a motion to approve the application, seconded by Commissioner Woods, and approved by a vote of 4-0. New Public Hearing 3.3 – ARB-23-98: 422 Gramatan Avenue (Section 165.38, Block 1046, Lot 1) in the RMF-10 District The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on November 29, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s 3 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes December 13, 2023 December 13 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property has been provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner is Atlantis Management Group represented by Tumay Basaranlar, with Pablo De Miguel as the lead design professional. The subject property is in the RMF-10: Multifamily Residence Zone, at the corner of Gramatan Avenue and William Street. The subject property is an existing Shell Gas Station with a convenience store. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for the alterations of the existing gas station convenience store building exterior to bring it in line the Group’s current Atlantis Brand standards, including a façade upgrade, new siding, relocation of the front door, a new awning, new lighting, repair of the trash enclosure, repairing and enlargement of the sidewalk to accommodate an ADA ramp and clearances, and with new signage to be filed under a separate application. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a “Type II” action under SEQRA based on DEC 617.5 (c) (2) " (2) replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, on the same site, including upgrading buildings to meet building, energy, or fire codes unless such action meets or exceeds any of the thresholds as provided in 617.4…” therefore, ending the SEQRA process. Mr. Danny Porco, from Atlantis Management Group, represented the applicant. He explained that they want to update the exterior of the building and paint it a graphite color. The door to the building will be shifted to the middle and away from the parking lot on the left so an ADA ramp will be closer. Four new parking spots will be added. The Chair asked if the road surface will be repaved. Mr. Porco said the surface is asphalt and will not be repaved. The Chair asked about the percentage of glass frontage, as the current windows are covered and messy. Mr. Porco explained that, given the company operates its own stores, he does have the power to manage the advertisements in the windows, and will try to minimize what is posted. Commissioner Riley asked about the brick on the elevations. Mr. Porco stated that plywood covered up the existing brick, but the plans are to paint the brick a graphite/charcoal color. Commissioner Sanchez asked about the northeast view and whether the dilapidated wall on the property will be addressed. 4 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes December 13, 2023 Mr. Porco confirmed that it would be cleaned up. The Chair then suggested that a maintenance plan be put into place for future upkeep. She also requested that there should be follow up with the DPW regarding sidewalk repairs. Commissioner Riley asked if the addition of any plantings or trees had been considered. Mr. Porco confirmed that no plans were in place. The Chair requested that a landscaping plan and schedule be provided using native plants, etc. After further discussion, Commissioner Woods moved to approve the application with the following conditions: • The applicant shall comply with § 267-14(O) of the Mount Vernon Zoning Code regarding storefront obstructions. • The applicant shall provide a landscaping plan that includes the schedule and location of native plants to be used. • The applicant shall coordinate with the DPW for sidewalk replacement/repair. • On the west side of the building, the existing wood siding will be removed, and the brick painted a color consistent with the front and side of the building. Commissioner Riley then seconded the motion, which was approved 4-0. New Public Hearing 3.4 – ARB-23-105: 380 Hayward Avenue (Section 159.78, Block 1003, Lot 12) in the R2-4.5 District The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on November 27, 2023, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s December 13 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property has been provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owners are Darryl and Rachel Adams represented by KTM Architect, with Kimberly T. Martelli as the lead design professional. The subject property is in the R2-4.5: Two Family Residence Zone, at the end of Hayward Avenue off of Devonia Avenue. The subject property is an existing 3-story single-family residence. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for the construction of a 1-story addition woodworking shop to the existing 3-story single-family residence over existing finished basement storage, as well as alterations to an existing garage including the installation of a new garage door on the elevation facing Tower Place. 5 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes December 13, 2023 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 including provision of necessary utility connections as provided in 617.5(c)(13) .....” therefore, ending the SEQRA process. Ms. Kim Martelli, the architect, explained that two small constructions were proposed last year, and that this year the owners want to build a one-story woodworking shop that will be attached to the sunroom. Commissioner Riley asked whether existing trees will be replaced. Ms. Martelli said that they are continuing to work on a landscape plan that will be fully established as the project is completed. Commissioner Riley questioned doing a 4/12 roof on the woodworking shop while there is a high- pitched roof on the main house. He suggested that a rooftop terrace connected to the balcony on the main house would fix the differentiation in character between the roof and the railing. Ms. Martelli and Darryl Adams, the owner, agreed with this. After further discussion, Commissioner Woods made a motion to approve the application with the condition that Sheet A-6 be revised to extend the railing to intersect with the roofline. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sanchez and approved by a vote of 4-0. ITEM #4 – ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM 4.1 Review and Approval of 2024 Calendar of Architectural Review Board Meeting Dates The ARB reviewed the 2024 meeting schedule and made no changes. Commissioner Riley made a motion to accept the ARB 2024 meeting schedule, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and approved by a vote of 4-0. Commissioner Riley then made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and approved by a vote of 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. Maria Pace Land Use Secretary Bob Galvin AICP, Planning Administrator 6