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RYE BROOK, N.Y. A proposed affordable housing project on Ellendale Avenue in Rye Brook got the go-ahead this week from the Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees after soil samples came back negative for any contamination.
I think that this is a benefit to Rye Brook, Mayor Joan L. Feinstein said of the a four-unit, two-story dwelling to be built at 525 Ellendale Ave. Its in a location that is a transitional area. I think this is for the benefit of our community.
Fair and Affordable Housing has become a major project for Rye Brook after a settlement between Westchester County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandated that certain municipalities must increase the number of affordable housing units by 2017.
At the boards last meeting July 25, Planning Consultant Marilyn Timpone Mohammed said it was possible that a shed or garage once stood on the property. Once a site has been built on, she said, a potential exists for hazardous materials in the soil. Pawling Holdings LLC, the applicant for the project, agreed to do sampling.
There are no issues associated with the samples at the site, said Clark Neuringer, architect for Pawling Holdings, reiterating data to the board of the 96 tests conducted. Two metals tested came back slightly elevated, he said, but those elements are naturally occurring in the area and not due to any man-made source.
We feel comfortable with those levels, said Feinstein.
The board adopted both a rezoning resolution and the site plan resolution for the project unanimously with the exception of Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg, who was on vacation.
Once the county meets to vote on the project, construction on Ellendale Avenue could begin as early as November, said Lou Larizza, owner of Pawling Holdings.
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