Development News for Hyde Park, New York

Battlefield Development: Condominium and Townhouse Plans Advance with Design Revisions

The planning board reviewed site plan and subdivision applications for Battlefield, Phases 4 and 5, encompassing 129 multi-family condominium units in four buildings and eight three-story townhouses. The applicant proposed revising the unit mix within a 15% adjustment, decreasing cottage homes from 58 to 50, duplexes from 80 to 68, and increasing townhouses from 160 to 180, maintaining a total of 801 units. Key design changes included flipping the townhouses to have driveways in the rear to improve streetscape and address grade issues. Building elevations were presented, showcasing terracing, stone work, and integrated chimneys. Pedestrian paths and grading plans were detailed, along with a half-mile loop trail. Discussions also covered pond design, including an aquatic bench for stormwater management, and the potential for amenities like a piazza with a fountain. Concerns were raised about the visual impact of building colors, the interface between buildings and the pond, dumpster placement, and the need for active recreational spaces. The applicant committed to providing updated plans addressing these comments. The project's evolution and collaborative design process were highlighted.

Violet Avenue Coffee Shop Presents Site Modifications, Traffic Safety Concerns Discussed

The planning board reviewed changes made by Violet Avenue Coffee Shop regarding their patio and pergola, dumpster size, lighting, and signage. The applicant initially planned a fence that would have impacted large trees; however, they opted to place the fence on the other side of the trees, preserving them and impacting dumpster placement. This led to an increase in dumpster size to accommodate two dumpsters. Exterior light poles were reduced due to existing sconce lighting on garages. The patio and pergola design changed from rounded to squared, and the pergola height was adjusted. Signage concepts were presented for board consideration. Concerns were raised about traffic safety at the intersection of Route 9G and Franklin Road, with two recent accidents noted. The board acknowledged the safety concerns and the applicant's efforts to improve the site, including considerate neighborly actions like saving trees and addressing lighting. The project was classified as a Type II action and referred to Duchess County Department of Planning and Development, with a public hearing set for June 17th. A discussion ensued regarding the size of signage symbols and the need for a variance or adjustment to meet code requirements.