MM Real Estate Partners LLC, which is located in Rye, has proposed building a mixed-use structure on lots it owns at 11-15 Purdy Ave. in Rye. The two lots cover approximately 6,000 square feet and are located in the Central Business B-2 Zoning District in downtown Rye, a short walk from the Rye Metro-North train station.
According to Attorney Steven Wrabel of the White Plains-based law firm McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt LLP, the property abuts a city-owned parking lot to the west. The proposed development would be in keeping with existing buildings in the area.
Wrabel told the Rye Planning Commission, “Across the street is a three-story mixed used building with apartments over a restaurant and dry cleaner. Immediately to the north is Rye Grill and Bar and the associated parking lot. Across Second Street is a two-story mixed-use building with apartments over a restaurant and dry cleaner. Across Purdy Avenue to the south is 12 Purdy Ave., which is developed with a recently approved three-story mixed use building containing two floors of multifamily dwellings above retail.”
Wrabel said that one of the lots proposed for the development is currently improved with a single-story commercial building that has only been able to attract short-term pop-up tenants and a nail salon that is looking to relocate. The other lot is improved with a two-story commercial building with office and storage space over the recently closed Town Dock restaurant.
“Both buildings are out of date, struggling to find tenancy, and falling into disrepair,” Wrabel said. He explained that the developer wants to demolish the obsolete buildings and redevelop the site to revitalize it while maintaining the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
The plans call for a new three-story structure containing ground floor lobby, parking, and retail space, and two floors of rental apartments above. There would be a total of eight two-bedroom units. There would be a rooftop amenity space and basement storage areas for residential and retail tenants.
Wrabel points out that since the site currently is fully developed there would not be an increase in impervious surface from the proposed redevelopment. The project will include electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficient appliances, all-electric heating and cooling, and potential space for rooftop solar panels.
The plan calls for eight off-street parking spaces as part of the development. The new building would generally follow the footprint of current site improvements. Existing public sidewalk areas on the property would be preserved and expanded for the benefit of the public. The applicant has also proposed to install a new sidewalk along the abutting city parking lot, improving pedestrian connectivity for the downtown.
Wrabel said that the proposed redevelopment plan complies with all setback, height, and parking requirements under the Rye Zoning Ordinance but it’s anticipated that the project will require a variance from the Rye Board of Appeals for Floor Area Ratio.
