Millbrook Planning Board concludes public hearing for Thorne Building renovations

MILLBROOK — Planning Board members voted to close a public hearing for renovations to the historic Thorne Building on Franklin Avenue on Monday, April 20.

Planned renovations to the historic Thorne Building on Franklin Avenue would create a multi-use community arts center.

The public hearing phase for the project’s site plan approval began at the March 16 meeting held at the Millbrook firehouse and was continued to allow more time for residents to consider the plans and provide comment. The April 20 meeting was again held at the firehouse to accommodate expected attendance.

Architect Michael Sloan, principal at Sloan Architects of Millbrook, reviewed an adjustment to the site’s parking lot plan. The center aisle within the 56-space lot has been widened to 25 feet. The Franklin Avenue entrance will be one-way because the present curb cut is too narrow for two-way traffic. The driveway will exit onto Maple Street.

Sloan added that the intended uses of the building meet all provisions of current zoning law.

Planning Board Chairman Frank Redl asked the architect to provide details on usage and the potential impact of those uses.

One resident spoke to express concern on behalf of neighbors who may be impacted by parking, and also asked that corrections be made to the minutes of the previous meeting to address some inaccuracies. Another resident spoke in favor of the proposal for its potential to attract people to the village center.

“The building will not accommodate large events,” Sloan said, but the lawn area could be used for additional parking if multiple events are scheduled simultaneously.

The existing bandshell will be demolished, Sloan noted, and the playground will be moved closer to the church building for the convenience and safety of the children who use it.

The board closed the public hearing at the recommendation of consulting engineer Richard Rennia, clearing the way for the board to review the comments and the site plan at a future meeting.

Originally built as a K-12 school, the landmark building would be transformed into a space for the community to gather and create. The overall site plan envisions a rear addition to expand the stage, the improved parking lot, new exterior lighting, a front garden and the removal of the portico on the building’s east side.

Merrit Avenue duplex

Board members also closed a public hearing for plans to demolish and replace a residential building at 4 Merritt Ave.

The plans represent the second phase of construction at the Reardon Briggs property located at 3265 Franklin Ave.

The board closed the hearing following public comment from long-time residents who live close to the residence to be built. Board members are expected to review the site plan at their next meeting on Monday, May 18.

Representing the developer, engineers from Day Stokosa of Wappingers Falls summarized plans for the phased improvements that would demolish an existing single-family home and replace it with a newly-constructed two-family residence on the 0.66-acre lot.

The existing residence has a footprint of 630 square feet. The new residence, containing two two-bedroom units, would occupy a footprint of 1,347 square feet. The engineers indicated that the plans are consistent in appearance and concept with the business-zoned area.

During the public hearing, owners of the single-family century-old Merritt Avenue home adjacent to the proposed duplex expressed their opposition. The plan for the new residence, they said, would diminish their present quality of life, including access to light, sun, airflow and privacy, the latter due to the placement of windows.

“We love the area,” the owners said, asking that the design be modified.

“They are meeting all of the code requirements,” Redl said of the developers, but he continued by asking the developers whether they might mitigate the effects. One resident suggested that to achieve privacy, the new building might be swiveled to move its windows away from those of the neighbor.

The engineers reported that they have already reduced the plan by 500 square feet and lowered the height of the new building.

Although the public hearing was closed, residents are invited to submit written comments in advance of the May 18 meeting when the board will review the site plan.