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 JULY 24, 2024 A regular meeting of the Architectural Review Board was held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the Memorial Room on the 2nd Floor in Mount Vernon City Hall. ITEM #1 - ROLL CALL - Chair Robin Myers called the roll; in addition to the Chair, Commissioners Linda 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 minutes of June 26, 2024 were approved. Commissioner Riley then made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Sanchez, and approved by a vote of 3-0. ITEM #3 PUBLIC MEETINGS New Public Hearing 3.1 – ARB-24-36: 421 South Second Avenue (Section 169.31, Block 3119, Lot 41) in the RMF- 6.75: Multifamily Residence District. The Architectural Review Board has received an Affidavit of Sign Posting stating that on July 10, 2024, a sign was posted at the site giving notice of the Architectural Review Board’s July 24, City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 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 Walter Cajamarca, representing himself, with Max Parangi as the lead design professional. The subject property is located on South Second Avenue, between East Fifth Street and East Sandford Boulevard, in the RMF-6.75: Multifamily Residence District. The Applicant is requesting a certificate of appropriateness for the renovation and interior remodeling of an existing 2-story, 2-family residence, including replacing the siding on the front, left, and rear of the house with new vinyl siding, repairing the existing rear deck, remodeling of the kitchens and bathrooms, the addition of new laundry rooms and a new bathroom in the basement, and the addition of new open cell spray insulation at the exterior walls. SEQRA – The proposed action is a Type II action based on 6 NYCRR 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 paragraph (13) of this subdivision and the installation, maintenance or upgrade of a drinking water well or a septic system, or both, and conveyances of land in connection therewith”, therefore ending the SEQRA process. Mr. Walter Cajamarca, the owner, explained that he is installing new siding and making new basement additions. Commissioner Riley asked about the plans for the basement and if Mr. Cajamarca was going to request a new Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Mr. Cajamarca responded that his intention is to use the basement with bathroom as a playroom space downstairs and that he will be requesting a new CO to show occupied basement space. The Chair and Commissioner Riley recommended that the architect use flush material that can be painted, rather than using vinyl siding; this will provide more design options. Commissioners Riley and Sanchez then recommended the addition of a light on each side of the doors. Commissioner Riley asked why there was no vinyl siding on the right side of the house. Mr. Cajamarca stated that regulations require the use of hurricane siding (as opposed to vinyl siding) in that location due to its proximity to his neighbor. Commissioner Riley commented that using a hard material instead of vinyl siding would add value to the house and help him sell it in the future. The Chair asked if an overhang or cornice could be added to the front of the house. She also suggested black railing instead of white. 2 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes July 24, 2024 Commissioner Riley asked that the architect create a landscaping plan with native plants. After further discussion, the ARB requested the following conditions and that the architect submit the revisions for final review: 1. Add cornice to top of front elevation (referencing 431 South 2nd Avenue as inspiration. 2. Black wrought iron railing in the front. 3. Remove existing chain link fence and add landscaping to the front area. Architect shall submit a landscaping plan using noninvasive native plants only. 4. Locate wall mounted light fixtures on either side of front door. Fixtures shall have a black finish. 5. Replace vinyl siding with Hardie Plank siding. 6. Coordinate with the City Department of Public Works to repair/replace sidewalk fronting the property. Commissioner Sanchez then made a motion to approve the application with the conditions, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 3-0. Commissioner Sanchez then made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Riley, and approved by a vote of 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM. Maria Pace Land Use Secretary Bob Galvin AICP, Planning Administrator 3