RIVER VALE—A proposed 15-unit development on 1.25 acres at Collignon Way and Rivervale Road — including 13 townhomes and 2 apartments, will have a fourth hearing, in-person, on Wednesday, at Town Hall on April 27, at 7:30 p.m., before the River Vale Joint Planning Board.
The most recent in-person-only hearing was March 30. The applicant’s first two hearings were broadcast on Zoom.
The Collignon Estates proposal at 234 and 238 Rivervale Road originally started off as a 14-townhome development but was changed to include one fewer townhome and two affordable units when questions arose about required affordable housing set-asides.
The applicant is seeking use variances to permit townhomes and apartments in a commercial zone where they are not allowed, and to exceed maximum allowable density.
An opposing attorney representing nearby Lindvale Gardens apartment residents criticized the development’s height, traffic, and public safety concerns at prior hearings.
The proposal also requests 10 “bulk” or minor variances. These include relief from code on:
- Maximum number of stories. Two stories maximum are allowed; three stories are proposed at all four buildings, Pods A through D;
- Maximum building height. 35 feet maximum is allowed; 38,36 feet are proposed at Pod C, 35.36 feet proposed at Pod C and Pod D;
- Minimum setback of parking area to residential property line. 10 feet is minimum; 4 feet are proposed;
- Minimum front yard setback along Rivervale Road. 40 feet minimum is required; 39.16 feet at Pod A and 37.51 feet at Pod B are sought;
- Minimum rear yard setback. 50 feet minimum is required; 20 feet are proposed at Pod C; and.
- Minimum driveway aisle width, disturbance of slopes, and a maximum number of monument signs.
The applicant also seeks a major soil removement permit to allow soil moving activity in excess of 1,000 cubic yards.