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 JANUARY 24, 2024 A regular meeting of the Architectural Review Board was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2024, 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 Marlon Molina, Deputy Commissioner, 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 December 13, 2023, minutes were approved. Commissioner Riley made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Woods, and approved by a vote of 4-0. ITEM #3 - PUBLIC MEETINGS New Public Hearing 3.6 – ARB-23-39: 48 Mersereau Avenue (Section 165.57, Block 2088, Lot 1) in the R1-7 District. The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on January 8, 2024, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s January City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 24, 2024 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property was provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner is Rebecca Reyes, represented by Shahin Badaly, who is also the lead design professional on the application. The subject property is in the One-Family Residence Zone on Mersereau Avenue. The property was recently granted approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals on November 20, 2023, for area variances regarding the project. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for a proposed new driveway, retaining wall and steps on the front yard of the property, in front of an existing two-story, 1,022 square foot single family residence. 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. Shahin Badaly, engineer representing Ms. Rebecca Reyes, the owner, explained that the Zoning Board had already approved variances for the front yard parking and the retaining wall height. Chair Myers asked about the façade at the top of the driveway. Mr. Badaly explained that it will be an applied piece of steel. Commissioner Riley asked what kind of material is being used for the retaining wall. Mr. Shahin said it will be concrete with stucco in front. Commissioner Riley asked if the retaining wall will have any texture and suggested that smooth concrete would be a bit stark, so a stamped element or texture would make it look better. The Chair asked about the lighting of the tree façade and whether it will be soft and illuminating. Ms. Reyes confirmed that it will be. The Chair then suggested that the lighting not spill above the height of the wall. Commissioner Riley noted that the current plantings are mixed native and non-native, and one is invasive, and requested that native plants be used. 2 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 After further discussion, the following conditions were recommended: • The retaining walls are to be finished as stamped concrete (style to be determined by the Owner). • The lighting is not to spill beyond the height of the concrete wall • The landscaping plan will utilize native plants. Commissioner Woods then made a motion to approve the application with conditions, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez and approved by a vote of 4-0. New Public Hearing 3.1 – ARB-23-73: 319 Fulton Avenue (Section 165.39, Block 2053, Lot 21) in the R2-4.5 District. The Architectural Review Board has received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on January 10, 2024, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s January 24, 2024 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property was provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner is Roman Crowe represented by Tyler Moston of Surf Clean Energy, with Tom Petersen as the lead design professional. The subject property is in the R2-4.5One-Family Residence Zone, on Fulton Avenue. The subject property is an existing 2-story two-family residence. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for the installation of a 10.40-11.20 kW DC (7.54-8.12 kW AC) solar system on the roof of an existing two-story, two-family residence, to support both units on the first and second floor. The system will consist of 54 400W modules. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a Type II action based on 617.5(c)(15) “installation of solar energy arrays on an existing structure, provided the structure is not: (i) listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places; (ii) located within a district listed in the National or State Register of Historic Places; (iii) been determined by the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places pursuant to sections 14.07 or 14.09 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.” Mr. Mustafa Alleyne, representing Surf Clean Energy, explained that all the solar panels are black to match the roof and that they will supply energy to both the first and second floors. Commissioner Sanchez asked in which direction the front of the house faces. Mr. Alleyne confirmed it faces west. 3 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 Commissioner Woods then made a motion to approve the application, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 4-0. New Public Hearing 3.2 – ARB-23-66: 11 East Kingsbridge Road (Section 169.63, Block 3094, Lot 15) in the R1-3.6 District. The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on January 10, 2024, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s January 24, 2024 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property was provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner is Paul Martin represented by Tyler Moston of Surf Clean Energy, with Tom Petersen as the lead design professional. The subject property is in the R1-3.6 One-Family Residence Zone, on East Kingsbridge Road. The subject property is an existing 2-story single-family residence. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for the installation of a 6.40 kW DC (4.64 kW AC) solar system on the roof of an existing two-story, single-family residence, to support both units on the first and second floor. The system will consist of 16 400W modules. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a Type II action based on 617.5(c)(15) “installation of solar energy arrays on an existing structure, provided the structure is not: (i) listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places; (ii) located within a district listed in the National or State Register of Historic Places; (iii) been determined by the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places pursuant to sections 14.07 or 14.09 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.” Mr. Mustfa Alleyne, representing Surf Clean Energy, explained that the solar panels are black to match the roof; there will be 10 panels in the front and six at the rear. The Chair noted that it was a uniform and balanced design. Commissioner Sanchez then made a motion to approve the application, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 4-0. 4 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 New Public Hearing 3.3 – ARB-23-76: 83 Sheridan Avenue (Section 165.41, Block 2128, Lot 10) in the R1-7 District. The Architectural Review Board received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on January 10, 2024, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s January 24, 2024 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property was provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner is Joseph Lewis represented by Tyler Moston of Surf Clean Energy, with Tom Petersen as the lead design professional. The subject property is in the R1-7One-Family Residence Zone, on Sheridan Avenue. The subject property is an existing 2-story single- family residence. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for the installation of a 10.13 kW DC (7.25 kW AC) solar system on the roof of an existing two-story, single-family residence, to support both units on the first and second floor. The system will consist of 25 405W modules. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a Type II action based on 617.5(c)(15) “installation of solar energy arrays on an existing structure, provided the structure is not: (i) listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places; (ii) located within a district listed in the National or State Register of Historic Places; (iii) been determined by the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places pursuant to sections 14.07 or 14.09 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.” Mr. Mustafa Alleyne, representing Surf Clean Energy, explained that there will be eight solar panels in the front, which will put less strain on the local grid. Commissioner Riley asked if the panels could be shifted to align with the dormers on the front. Mr. Alleyne said they could, but that would interrupt the area of access. Commissioner Woods then made a motion to approve the application, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 4-0. New Public Hearing 3.4 – ARB-23-107: 233 South Third Avenue (Section 169.23, Block 3114, Lot 27) in the RMF- 6.75 District. The Architectural Review Board has received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on January 5, 2024, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s 5 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 January 24, 2024 meeting. The Board also received photographs showing that the sign posting on the property was provided with notice of today’s meeting. The owner is Milio Sons, Inc., representing themselves, with Mang Yuk Wong as the lead design professional. The subject property is in the RMF-6.75 Multifamily Residence Zone, on South Third Avenue. The existing property is a 2-story, two-family residence. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness in connection with renovations, alterations, and an addition to an existing 2-story, 2-family dwelling. This is to facilitate the ongoing renovation of the existing residential structure into once again becoming a habitable living space. 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. Peter Poccia, representing the owner, explained that the Planning Board approved the site plans in 2010, and the original COA was issued in 2011 with conditions. After that, the permits were postponed because the builder didn’t have enough manpower or resources to undertake the house renovation. Amended plans were submitted to the Building Department in 2018-2019 and the building permit was finally issued in 2022. The house was completed in 2023. The original design had to be modified in order to address structural issues. During renovations, the chimney was removed, and the brick repurposed as the façade of the building. Commissioner Riley asked if the house is currently occupied. Mr. Poccia said it is unoccupied and that they are waiting for the approval process to finish before moving forward. Commissioner Riley noted that the boxwoods would need to be removed because of disease and requested that no plantings be invasive or non-native. There was discussion regarding two conditions: • The brick façade as built shall remain. • The condition on the original Certificate of Occupancy (Case #50-2010, dated 2/23/2011) requiring semi-circle glass arches above certain windows, is hereby removed. Commissioner Sanchez then made a motion to approve the application with conditions, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 4-0. 6 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 New Public Hearing 3.5 – ARB-23-106: 130 Miller Place (Section 169.56, Block 4090, Lot 5) in the Industry District. The Architectural Review Board has received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on January 10, 2024, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s January 24, 2024 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 130 Miller Place LLC, represented by Tom Abillama, who is also the lead design professional on the application. The subject property is in the I – Industry Zone on Miller Place and was formerly used as a warehouse for Mount Vernon Iron Works, Inc. The property was recently granted Site Plan Approval by the Planning Board on November 6, 2023. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness to remove the existing metal framing and glass wall in the existing one-story warehouse, to be replaced with the Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) wall, as well as to use the new CMU wall as a replacement for the existing structurally damaged masonry wall. This is to facilitate the ongoing renovation of the existing one-story warehouse into a 1,200 ton/day, 24-hour Municipal Solid Waste (MSAW) transfer station. SEQRA Determination – The proposed action is a Type II action based on 617.5(c)(18) “reuse of a residential or commercial structure, or of a structure containing mixed residential and commercial uses, where the residential or commercial use is a permitted use under the applicable zoning law or ordinance, including permitted by special-use permit.” Mr. Tom Abillama and Ms. Carla Tannous represented the Applicant and explained that the property was the site of the former Mount Vernon Ironworks. The Chair asked how much taller the CMU wall is going to be versus the existing wall. Ms. Tannous said it would be 20 ft. higher; the finished exterior height will be 24 ft. She also said that, because it is a transfer station, they need to drain the floor and comply with all the requirements of the Department of Health. The Chair asked about the interior office space. Mr. Abillama confirmed that there would be office spaces and restrooms and that the area will be sealed. The Chair asked if there is downward lighting and recommended that a more modern lamppost would be preferred. 7 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2024 Commissioner Riley asked about the coordinated metal and how it will attach to the wall, and whether any connections or seams will be seen. He also asked if any connections would be exposed. Mr. Abillama confirmed that they will not; they will be sealed on the outside with capping/covering in the corners and will be rust-resistant. It was recommended that a condition be added that Applicant submit a sample of a more modern lamppost for final approval. Commissioner Riley then made a motion to approve the application with the condition, seconded by Commissioner Woods, and approved by a vote of 4-0. Commissioner Woods 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 7:35 PM. Maria Pace Land Use Secretary Bob Galvin AICP, Planning Administrator 8