Townhouses proposed for Main Street in Peekskill

Buchanan-based 660 Main Street LLC is seeking approvals to build a new three-story nine-unit townhouse building at 660 Main St. in Peekskill.

According to Architect Joseph G. Thompson, the 1.051-acre property already has on it a two-story structure that has five apartments. It’s known as the Chancy M. Depew House and the new townhouse building would be located to the rear of the Depew House.

Thompson said that each of the proposed nine two-bedroom townhomes would have a total square footage of 1,276-square-feet. Each unit would have its own enclosed one-car garage at ground level and there would be 16 surface parking spaces in front of the new building.

“We believe this redevelopment proposal has been crafted in a manner that will substantially improve the property while relating the architecture to the existing historic structure in a manner that is intended to provide a cohesive finished product,” Thompson said. “A new landscaping plan that includes a restoration plan along Main Street is proposed to further enhance the property.”

The property is in the R-6 zoning district that allows the development of townhouses by site plan approval. The proposed development also requires a Steep Slopes Review according to Peekskill’s staff. Each unit would have a balcony with a view of the Hudson River.

Peekskill’s staff suggested that the city’s Planning Commission might wish to discuss the need for pedestrian pathways because of existing traffic flow and parking locations in the area. The staff also noted that variances or design changes may be required since proposed setbacks do not meet zoning requirements. It also was pointed out that Peekskill’s R-6 zone limits to eight the number of townhomes permitted in a development and that a variance would be required for nine units. Alternatively, the staff raised the possibility that the number of units might be cut to eight so the applicant could avoid having to obtain a variance.

The applicant was asked to provide a traffic study that describes and assesses the potential impact the project would have on surrounding streets and intersections, emergency access by police and fire vehicles as well as ambulances, and pedestrian activity. Also sought was a lighting plan that would provide details of planned exterior lighting and any impacts from the outdoor lighting on adjoining properties and streets.