Greenburgh Begins Zoning Overhaul While Demanding Project Safety Upgrades
Greenburgh's Planning Board officially approved the Town Board's intent to serve as lead agency for a comprehensive revision of the town's zoning ordinance under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), a foundational step to updating regulations that govern future development. This long-term initiative proceeds alongside the board's immediate demands for developers to address specific infrastructure, parking, and pedestrian safety issues on two current projects.
What Happened
- Town-Wide Zoning Update: The Planning Board cleared the way for the Town Board to act as lead agency for a comprehensive zoning ordinance revision, initiating a year-long process to update regulations for future development.
- Increased Stormwater Resilience: The board approved a residential steep slope project at 5 Farmway Drive after the developer committed to a stormwater management system designed for a 100-year storm, exceeding the town's typical 25-year storm requirement.
- Parking and Pedestrian Safety Scrutiny: The board held a work session on a new Jen Korean Barbecue restaurant at Dale Wood 1 Shopping Center, pressing the developer for more detailed plans on pedestrian crosswalks, potential bollards for entrance safety, and a defined snow storage protocol to manage parking impacts.
- Industrial Site Brought into Compliance: The board began reviewing plans to convert a vacant lot at 140 Nepperhan Avenue into a construction material storage facility, noting the project would reduce impervious coverage from 100% to 78.53%, meeting zoning requirements.
Project Outcomes
- 5 Farmway Drive: Approved for steep slope and tree removal permits after the applicant agreed to a stormwater management system capable of handling a 100-year storm event.
What's Next
- March 24: Applicant for Jen Korean Barbecue (Dale Wood 1 Shopping Center) must submit updated plans addressing pedestrian safety, crosswalks, bollards, and snow storage ahead of its public hearing.
- March 30 Planning Board Meeting: The board will hold a public hearing for the Jen Korean Barbecue special use permit and revisit the postponed PB2539 Galvanize application.
- Throughout 2026: Planning Board members will meet with town staff to discuss the comprehensive zoning ordinance revisions, with public discussions and ultimate Town Board approval expected by year-end.