The owners of the Hilton Westchester are hoping to build 96 units of senior “empty nester” housing at their location in Rye Brook.
The four-story buildings would look similar to the hotel and be built on one of the satellite parking lots between the existing lot and Westchester Avenue. The housing would be built as an up-scale living option for senior citizens who may be looking to downsize, which means it would generate taxes for the village and there would be no burden on the school system, Hilton attorney Frank McCullough told the Rye Village Board of Trustees at a recent meeting. They have not yet decided if the housing would be rental or owner units.
This would be the site’s final build out – there would be no question of what might happen in the future, McCullough said.
Residents would be able to use the hotels amenities – cleaning, fitness, meals - for a fee, which would help assure the long-term financial viability of the hotel, he said.
While the hotel owners have not created architectural designs yet, John Saccardi of VHP Engineering did explain that they would reconfigure the access road into a boulevard. They also considered some of the potential environmental and traffic impacts of the units. Traffic would be impacted minimally he said, with possibly 25-30 peak hour trips.
The project would require modified zoning and an environmental review. You can view his whole presentation here.
Mayor Joan Feinstein and Trustee Paul Rosenberg both responded favorably to the idea, but asked that something be done about the tennis bubble in the back of the property. Rosenberg indicated that the hotel owners would have to be careful with the buffer they create between the new building and surrounding neighborhoods.
Feinstein noted that she wants to make sure the Hilton franchise intends to stay.
“There are things about this plan that are very positive as far as I am concerned. I am very cognizant of financial implications,” Feinstein said. She viewed the project as a potential means of showcasing the Village of Rye Brook in a positive way and noted that she is glad the housing would not impact the Port Chester school system.
