David McKay Wilson
A state panel approved variances for the Chappaqua Station project, moving it one step closer to construction
Action by the state's Hudson Valley Board of Review came several months after the panel had rejected variance requests on the 28-unit plan proposed by Conifer Realty, of Rochester. The project was backed by Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, and is part of the administraiton's response to the federal fair housing settlement.
Attorney Randolph McLaughlin [pictured above] said the panel announced its findings at a meeting at Cortlandt Town Hall. He said Conifer had redesigned the building to address concerns about fire safety at the apartment building.
"We are now going to start the process to get the building built, and get the families housed," McLaughlin said.
Controversy has swirled about the project in Chappaqua since it was proposed several years ago on a plot of land bordered by Route 120, the exit ramp to the Saw Mill Parkway, and the Metro-North tracks in downtown Chappaqua. At the time, the Town Board supported the plan, and changed the plot's zoning to allow the apartment complex.
New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, who won election after the planning process had begun, had said he opposed housing there because there was no grass at the site where children could play. Other Chappaqua residents had opposed the project, saying the site was not suitable for habitation because of its location.
But supporters said it was adequate, citing its location in Chappaqua's downtown, so residents could walk to shops, the town library, and Chappaqua's Bell Middle School.
Greenstein did not return a phone message seeking comment.
In December, the county Board of Legislators approved $1.6 million to provide funding for infrastructure for the project. At the time, Board of Legislators Chairman Mike Kaplowitz, D-Somers, said it was essential to approve the funding so Westchester could meet its benchmark of 450 units in the pipeline by Dec. 31.
Housing monitor James Johnson had questioned inclusion of the Chappaqua units in Westchester's totals, saying approvals from the state board had yet to be obtained.