Irvington Board Determined to Find Compromise on Waterfront Zoning

Irvington's Board of Trustees t, after many residents spoke out against its provision to allow a parking garage.

More than seven years in the works, the board , that specified what could and couldn't be built on the land, how much space could be covered, and described under what conditions a parking structure could be erected to allow for the necessary parking spaces needed to accommodate increased development. Garages are currently banned everywhere in the village.

In a public meeting Monday night the mayor and board discussed how they could proceed—still keeping in mind residents’ opposition to the garage.

“Without a parking structure, there is very little that can be done in the way of development,” said Mayor Jonathan Siegel, referring to a legal agreement between the village and Bridge Street contractors requiring that parking for their retail stores and offices be provided on the northern section of the Waterfront. 

He questioned whether a master zoning plan for the area was even appropriate if the scope of any future development was so small.

Since closing public hearings on the issue last month, Siegel said he had received a number of correspondences, the majority of which were in favor of the master plan, “one in favor, but without the garage, and one against it.”

 Trustee Walter Montgomery was equally dogged in his resolve to pass some sort of legislation before Siegel’s term ends in March.

“My idea was to acknowledge the importance of the [against the proposed plan, but still to press forward,” he said. “I strongly feel that it is not an option to say, ‘nothing more can be built there,’ and leave it at that.”

Trustee Connie Kehoe echoed Montgomery’s sentiment.

“I want to re-remember the goals we set for the space,” she said. “They include public access and protection of views.” 

Village Attorney Marianne Stecich said it was ultimately up to the board to decide how to proceed. And, much to the chagrin of the few residents who attended the meeting, suggested they meet in executive session to discuss any future options.

Siegel promised to put the issue back on the agenda for public comment soon.