Board forwards neutral recommendation on 120 Beaufort Place pool-area variance to Zoning Board

The New Rochelle Historical Landmark Review Board on Nov. 12 forwarded a neutral recommendation to the Zoning Board on an area-variance referral for work at 120 Beaufort Place, where owner Ralph Florentine described efforts to legalize a pool terrace, concrete walk, 6-foot and 6-foot-6-inch fencing, masonry piers, a barbecue station, fire pit and HVAC condensers.

Planning or building staff cited a denial letter indicating the impervious surface calculation was about 2.7% over allowed limits in their assessment for the building department and noted that some masonry piers had been built beyond the property line before the current owner relocated them inside the parcel. Mr. Seibert (representing site work) described the fence being visible after a later removal of shrubs: "...once we remove all the shrubbery...the fence became exposed and that's when it was brought to the department," the applicant said. Florentine added he removed shrubs after his son developed poison ivy.

Board members said the zoning board should weigh material, height and siting because some fencing and piers implicate public-right-of-way or DOT-controlled area. Staff and board members suggested a neutral referral so neighbors and zoning could review the site; a motion for a neutral recommendation was made, seconded and approved by voice vote (ayes recorded; exact tally not specified). The board noted that while fencing and pool enclosures are understood to be necessary for safety, historic-district guidelines typically favor different fence materials and lower visible heights.

The matter will proceed to the Zoning Board for a special permit/variance review; the HLRB recommended a neutral stance to allow the zoning process and possible neighbor input to proceed.