Planning commission advances preservation‑focused approach: model plans, street trees and pilot projects proposed

Thomas Derty, a member of the Westchester Borough Planning Commission, outlined a multi‑part preservation proposal that would pair regulatory incentives (street‑tree credits, pervious pavement allowances, and limited building‑coverage offsets) with a library of pre‑approved model building plans to steer new development toward the borough’s historic character.

His presentation described how mature street trees can reduce stormwater runoff — he cited figures used in the handout that mature canopy can absorb the first portion of rainfall and that street trees on average intercept substantial water per storm — and proposed allowing tree investments to offset a portion of impervious coverage limits. Derty also recommended assembling a small set of pre‑approved building prototypes (townhouses, garden‑court cottages and modest infill types) that would be “zoning‑ready,” lowering transactional costs for builders while giving the borough more control over architectural quality.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the combined approach could make attainable housing more feasible while protecting neighborhood character. A pre‑approved plan set would reduce the time and cost of discretionary approvals and give developers greater certainty that a given design will pass review, proponents said.

Commission discussion and next steps: Several members welcomed the idea of preparing test applications for specific local sites (Thomas named examples including Burger View, Elbow Lane and Bernard Street) so the commission can identify the exact ordinance changes needed. Jim Cherry and other members urged careful sequencing to avoid unintended outcomes; multiple commissioners endorsed starting with a small set of projects and drafting concrete language on the street‑tree and architectural incentives. Commissioners directed staff and volunteers to circulate the three draft ordinances in the meeting packet for review and asked Thomas to prepare sketches for a test application that could be discussed at the next meeting.

The commission did not take a vote on any ordinance at the April 6 session; members agreed to bring revised draft language and specific sample plans back to the commission for consideration.