The Ugly Duckling

Good news: our swans are doing well in their nest across the street from FBC. If all goes well we should see a cygnet soon.


It's important to note that their nest is in the Town of Yorktown lot that, under the proposal, must be remediated to offset the net increase to the impervious surfaces on site (e.g. concrete and asphalt).

They propose to offset this adverse action by snuffing out the invasive species (phragmites) and planting native seeds. Great, but I'd like to point out that the entire area has not succumb to phragmites. More than half of that lot is already native plants, or lake, which is where our swans nest.

Also, I would like to point out that FBC already increased, without filing for approval and obtaining the required permits, to increase the amount impervious surfaces on the site. Let's just keep that in mind as we start this horse trade.

I present the below without commentary (it's already on the photo); click on image to embiggen:

Secrets Of Zoning

Click on the image below, to embiggen.
The above image is from the application on file with Yorktown's Zoning Board of Appleals, less the red lines and red text--which are mine. For the record: the height variance they are seeking is for "37 feet where 35 is required."

To give you a sense of scale, the standard distance between streets in the standard Manhattan grid, is 200'-10". 46 feet is ample room to fit four occupiable floors. Therefore, ZBA member Bob Fahey is not incorrect in stating it's a "4 story building." It is as high as a four story structure.

I challenge you, gentle reader, to find a building 46 feet in height or greater, inside the limits of the sleepy hamlet of Mohegan Lake. Post your answer in the comments and the first correct--verifiable answer wins brunch with me at Thyme.

As their attorney will tell it, this is a "modest," "pretty" development with "vast benefits" for the community. Not the community of Mohegan Lake, my friends.

"That's gonna be a monstrosity"

The brave man arguing that the proposed "4 story building!" will be a "monstrosity!" is Yorktown Zoning Board of Appeals member Bob Fahey. Thank you, Mr. Fahey. Please keep defending us from this monstrosity.

Thank God those microphones pick up hushed conversations so well (turn up your speakers; "monstrosity" is at the 40 second mark).