New Rochelle Planning Board Meeting – March 24, 2026

The New Rochelle Planning Board met on March 24, 2026, at 12:15 PM (UTC) to consider site plan application PB 2-2026 by Young Israel of Scarsdale for the demolition of portions of an existing synagogue (except the sanctuary), construction of a two-story addition, and expansion of parking at 1313 Weaver Street (R1-10A zone). After extensive public comment and board deliberation, the board approved the application with multiple conditions.

Consent Calendar

• None reported.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Freeman (363 Daisy Farms Drive) spoke vehemently against the plan, citing chronic overflow parking from the existing synagogue that blocks driveways, fire hydrants, and intersections, making streets impassable. He questioned the feasibility of valet parking for 142 cars, the lack of a contract with the adjacent Simply the Best market, and the planned removal of mature trees. He argued the synagogue has been out of compliance since 1993 (56 spots vs. required 77) and that the congregation does not respect neighborhood parking.
• Eliana Bednars (77 Harlan Drive) supported the renovation but objected to relocating the main entrance to face her home less than 100 feet away. She argued that noise from people gathering, security guards, valet operations, and late-night cleanup would disrupt her family’s quiet enjoyment, and that the original plan (spring 2025) had the entrance facing Daisy Farms Drive. She requested the entrance remain in its original location.

Discussion Items

• Applicant Presentation:
  • Ari Weinberger (president) explained the need for expansion to accommodate current membership (sanctuary unchanged at 525 seats), eliminate tent and refrigerated truck nuisances, and create a rooftop play space to keep children off the parking lot. The plan provides 77 on-site parking spaces (compliant with a 1993 variance) and valet parking for events exceeding 77 cars, using a written agreement with the adjacent Simply the Best market.
  • Foster Ting (engineer) detailed site improvements: widening drive aisles to 24 feet, adding 21 new parking spaces (from 56 to 77), tiered retaining walls (max 6 feet) with extensive landscaping (128 new trees, mostly evergreens, net gain of 60 trees), porous pavement for stormwater, and new LED lighting. The fire department requested widening the driveway to 24 feet.
  • Alex Gorlin (architect) described the outdoor rooftop play space (not covered) designed for Sukkah use and as a safe area for children.
• Board Questions and Concerns:
  • Parking & Valet: Members questioned the feasibility of processing 142 cars via valet within a short arrival window, queue lengths (entrance-to-road distance ~75-300 feet), and potential spillover onto Weaver Street and Daisy Farms. The valet plan, reviewed by the building department, was submitted to the zoning board but not fully analyzed for intersection impacts. The board required a traffic impact analysis of the Weaver/Daisy Farms intersection as part of the valet plan.
  • Off-site Parking Agreement: Concern that Simply the Best market may be for sale; applicant acknowledged the property is subject to a lease but had no further details. The board noted that if the valet arrangement ceases, the applicant would need to return with an alternative.
  • Trees & Screening: Board member Doug Hewson pressed for preserving mature deciduous trees, suggesting reducing parking by three spaces to retain more trees. Staff noted the variance mandates 77 spots. The board was ultimately satisfied with the tiered wall, evergreen planting, and six-foot fence, which provide year-round screening over time.
  • Entrance Relocation: The primary pedestrian entrance shifts from Daisy Farms to the west side (facing Harlan Drive). The board heard public opposition but accepted the applicant’s rationale (security, better flow).
  • Pedestrian Circulation: Lack of dedicated sidewalks within the parking lot was raised; applicant argued it is typical for similar uses and noted that during events valet eliminates pedestrian-vehicle conflicts.
  • Traffic & Safety: During construction, the synagogue will relocate to Heathcote School. Board emphasized enforcement of noise and parking ordinances.

Key Outcomes

• Lead Agency Designation: Unanimously approved (motion by Doug Hewson, seconded by Kate Mercado).
• Negative Declaration (SEQR): Unanimously approved, finding no significant adverse environmental impacts.
• Site Plan Approval: Unanimously approved with the following conditions:
  1. All work within city right-of-way to conform to DPW standards and require permits.
  2. CCTV inspection of existing drainage sewer prior to building permit.
  3. Unobstructed 24-foot fire apparatus access road.
  4. Valet plan (subject to special permit from building department) including an analysis of impacts to the Weaver Street / Daisy Farms intersection.
  5. Installation of netting around the outdoor play court.
  6. Filing of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) with DPW.
  7. Compliance with tree removal/replacement provisions of city code.
  8. Exploration of adding a sidewalk along the Daisy Farms Drive frontage (conditions permitting).
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:30 PM (approximate duration from transcript). Other agenda items (PB 26-2023 and PB 18-2025) were adjourned to future dates.