Lauren Connell

The Planning Board addressed several site plan and architectural review applications, including developments for the Edge-on-Hudson Riverfront, a proposed apartment building at 139-144 Beekman Avenue, and a self-storage facility on North Broadway. The Board approved draft resolutions for an amended site plan at 139 Cortlandt Street and a wireless communications facility for Verizon Wireless. Discussions were held regarding building design, height, massing, viewshed impacts, stormwater management, and traffic circulation. Additionally, the Board officially declared itself the Lead Agency for the environmental review process concerning the proposed mixed-use development at 193 Beekman Avenue.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a height variance application for a mixed-use commercial and residential condominium building in the Edge-on-Hudson development. Representatives for the applicant discussed the necessity of a 3-foot height variance to accommodate marketable ceiling heights and proper structural systems, while noting the building's design features intended to mitigate perceived scale and impact on the neighborhood. The Board reviewed renderings, parking diagrams, and equipment visibility studies before ultimately voting to approve the requested variance.

The meeting includes site inspections at 193 Beekman Avenue and the Waterfront Open Space, followed by a work session and a regular meeting. Key agenda items involve public hearings for the Edge-on-Hudson Riverfront Development (Phase III Waterfront Open Space and Block M mixed-use building) and a proposed six-unit apartment building at 135 Beekman Avenue. Additional discussions are scheduled regarding a proposed mixed-use building at 193 Beekman Avenue, a self-storage facility at 309-315 North Broadway, and a preliminary presentation for the Block OP Townhomes at the Edge-on-Hudson Riverfront Development.

The board meeting agenda focused on various development and operational topics, including the approval of expenditures and a consultant report from Paragon-On-Hudson LLC. Key discussion items included the budget for the Board of Trustees, safety and parking improvements led by AKRF, and draft plans for Continental/Asphalt Art. Further topics involved Department of Public Works coordination, RFEI next steps, a park and road naming competition, a weeding proposal for the Wildflower Garden, and updates on fencing projects, landscaping, and the skate park. Seasonal activities were also scheduled for discussion, with the potential for an executive session.

The board discussed and approved a one-year extension for a proposed medical office building project at Five Legends Drive. Additionally, a public hearing was held regarding a request for a height variance for a six-story mixed-use condominium project at Block M of the Hudson Riverfront development. The applicant presented design refinements, including building setbacks, step terraces, and facade materials, intended to minimize the perceived height and visual impact of the building while maintaining consistency with the surrounding neighborhood.