Zoning Board of Appeals s9

Zoning Board of Appeals Department of Planning & Community Development City Hall - Roosevelt Square Mount Vernon, New York 10550-2060 (914) 699-7230 • FAX (914) 699-1435

Richard Thomas Irwin S. Davison, Esq. Mayor Chair Chair

MINUTES

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

PUBLIC HEARING

A regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, Mount Vernon, New York at which time and place the Board shall consider the following:

ITEM # 1 ROLL CALL

PRESENT ABSENT Chairman I. Davison Board Member E. Castillo Board Member C. Afonzo Board Member A. Castillo Board Member K. Scully Board Member L. Sloan-Fullan

ITEM #2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES

2.1 Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on Tuesday April 19, 2016. Approved – Motioned by K. Scully and seconded by C. Afonzo 2.2 Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held on Tuesday July 19, 2016. Approved - Motioned by A. Castillo and seconded by K. Scully

ITEM #3 DELIBERATIONS

3.1 Case # 1717-Z 435 S. Columbus Avenue (Section 169.33, Block 4069, Lot 44) Located in the R2-4.5 Zoning District.

The Applicant Rosanna Ortiz is proposing to convert the existing single family dwelling into a two family dwelling. An area variance is required. This requires an approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

of 3 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Zoning Board Minutes November 15, 2016

SEQRA Determination: This action is a “Type II” action; therefore, ending the SEQRA process.

The Chairman reads the item into the record.

In the opening proceedings the applicant explained why the variance should be granted by showing a drawing of multiple dwellings in neighborhood which contain two or more dwelling units. The Board started by asking the applicant if the homes on her block were in fact legal two and three family homes. The applicant was unable to confirm or deny. The Board also imposed questions like, what is the square footage of your home. The homeowner did not know. The Board mentions the fact that there are multiple violations on the applicant’s property and asks if the violations had been addressed. At which point, the applicant explained that the Buildings department advised her to first get a determination from the ARB and then follow-up with them. The Board then closed the public meeting stating that further information is needed to conclude this deliberation. The Board suggested that the applicant provide square footage of house and each apartment within. The Board also suggests hearing from the ARB about aesthetic qualities.

3.2 Calendar# 1723-Z 545 South Fulton Avenue (Section 169.40, Block 4088, Lot 8) Located in the CB- Commercial Business Zoning District.

The Applicant Albert Zihenti, represented by Francis Turner, the architect, proposes to construct a four-story office building with indoor parking and storage. Area variances are required.

SEQRA Determination: This action is a coordinated review and classified as an “Unlisted”. The Zoning Board has declared its intent to be “Lead Agency” to assess the environmental significance.

The Chairman reads the item into the record.

In the opening proceedings the attorney for the applicant explained why the variance should be granted by explaining why this new property will be an asset and not a hindrance to Mount Vernon. The Board then closed the public meeting and deliberated, approving the applicants request to construct a 49 feet office building with indoor parking and storage. The Board did however make a recommendation to applicant to secure lease for additional parking spaces. The Board stated that the property is designed well and is likely to bring revenue and possibly spur additional business to Mount Vernon. The Board believes this business will add character to the area and they’re happy with the way the applicant plans to operate. The board declares a negative declaration which does not require any further SEQRA assessment.

Meeting adjourned.

Lakia Perkins Zoning Board Secretary cc: Mayor Richard Thomas Shawyn Patterson Howard, Commissioner Page 2 of 3 City of Mount Vernon Meeting Date Zoning Board Minutes November 15, 2016

William Long, Planning Administrator Kindra Dolman, 1st Deputy Building Commissioner George Brown, City Clerk Lawrence A. Porcari, Corporation Council Brian G. Johnson, 1st Corporation Council Lobby Press