Harrison considers Harrison Avenue mixed-use building

The Saul Group, LLC, which owns 205-207 Harrison Ave. in Harrison, is seeking approvals to build a five-story mixed-use building that would have 12 apartments over on-site parking and a 2,000 square foot office. There would be 14 parking spaces on the ground floor. The property is located in Harrison’s CB-D Zoning District and the Downtown Neighborhood Revitalization Target Area. The project has been named Colonial Place Residence.

According to Attorney Albert J. Pirro Jr. of the law firm Abrams Fensterman LLP, 205 Harrison Ave., has on it a vacant commercial building and 207 Harrison Ave., has a two-family residence. The project needs a number of variances from Harrison, including: exceeding the allowable height limit of 45 feet by five feet; exceeding the number of permitted stories by one; and providing 14 parking spaces where 15 are required. Pirro said that the floors two through five would have a total of 10 residential units and the top floor would have two penthouse units.

Pirro told Harrison’s Planning Board that “most properties on Harrison Avenue are developed, and, therefore, the use will not prevent or substantially impair the reasonable and orderly use or development of other properties in the neighborhood.” He added that the existing two-family house at 207 Harrison Ave., pre-dates the Harrison Zoning Code and is non-conforming.

“The elimination of non-conformity is an express goal of the Harrison Master Plan,” Pirro said. “The use will be in harmony with and promote the general purposes and intent of the Town Code.”

Pirro described the project as being within 1,000 feet of the Harrison Metro-North train station and noted that there will be a ground level plaza, garden and recreational area. He said that the location near the train station would help reduce the number of vehicle trips made by building residents.

Pirro cited Harrison’s 2013 Master Plan as recommending that more flexibility with regard to elimination of first floor office and commercial requirements and a relaxation of height requirements would support a “transit-oriented residential population necessary for successful downtown revitalization.” He said that the proposed building would have rooftop open space that not only creates a recreational area for residents but also incorporates stormwater retention features.