Rye Brook holds sketch-plan conference for Dorchester Drive lot merger; neighbors raise noise, buffer and stormwater concerns

The Rye Brook Planning Board on May 14 held a sketch‑plan conference for a proposed lot merger at 19–23 Dorchester Drive, where the applicant described plans for a combined lot with a full tennis court (with a half‑court basketball hoop) and a pool house. The board and residents focused on impervious coverage, stormwater controls and neighborhood impacts.

The applicant’s contractor, Chris Scalfo of Optimum Building, and engineer Steve Anderson said the merged lot will be just under one acre and that they are reducing the court and pool-house footprints to bring impervious coverage within allowable limits. The engineer said stormwater will be designed to keep runoff on site and that the team has begun soil testing and drainage work.

Neighbors pressed the applicant on the size of the court, setbacks, noise and buffering. Several residents urged a layered planting plan and a substantial vegetative buffer to mitigate noise; one resident also questioned whether the court would include lighting. Owner Jason Ryan told the board the court would be for family recreational use only, would include one basketball hoop on half the court, and would not have lights.

Stormwater and drainage were recurring concerns. A resident described chronic downstream water problems at the bottom of the hill and urged a robust stormwater design. The board and staff reminded the group that projects affecting Rye Brook must meet strict stormwater standards, including full capture and on‑site management; the applicant said the project will retrofit the existing house and pool drainage into the new system.

Board members also asked about demolition steps and utility disconnects; staff said asbestos and lead abatement and Con Ed termination letters are required before demolition can occur. The board noted a legal question about reusing sewer connections after a lot merger; counsel will advise whether reuse of existing taps is permissible or whether new taps are required.

Next steps: the applicant will file a formal site-plan application with a steep‑slopes permit and complete impervious-surface calculations and stormwater design. The board encouraged continued dialogue with neighbors and technical staff to resolve drainage, buffering and operational-hour concerns before the formal public hearing.