WHITE PLAINS

'Millennial' apartment plan in White Plains does not include parking, a first

Richard Liebson
Rockland/Westchester Journal News

WHITE PLAINS — The new owners of a former East Post Road tavern are making a $260,000 bet that millennials will pay $1,700 to $1,900 monthly rent for apartments that don't include parking.

"They're generally occupied by millennials," said Jane Giris, attorney for New York City developer Sackman Enterprises. "Millennials don't have cars, as a practical matter. They're big users of Uber and Zip Cars." 

The quarter-acre site at 199-201 E. Post Road was occupied by the Thirsty Turtle tavern, which went into foreclosure several years ago. The downtown building has been vacant since, and was recently purchased by Sackman Enterprises.

Rendering of proposed apartment project at 199-201 East Post Road in White Plains.

The developer is seeking a site-plan amendment to add three stories to the one-floor building for 18 apartments — six on each floor. It's also asking the White Plains Planning Board for approval of a $260,000 payment in lieu of parking. Normally, the building would require 18 spaces for the new apartments.

The plan does not require Common Council approval.

WHITE PLAINS MALL: Current tenants face unknown future

DOWNTOWN: Two major projects in White Plains are approved

TAX BREAKS: Three White Plains housing development receive county tax incentives

The developer has already received permits for the ground-floor restaurant renovation, which is underway. Officials said it will be more "family friendly" than the Thirsty Turtle. 

But it was the parking that the Planning Board focused on during its Sept. 20 meeting.

"You're obviously making a marketing decision about renting apartments that have no parking," board Chairman John Ioris said. "In my opinion, that's a developer's risk, and I don't have a problem with it. You're paying a hefty fee in lieu of parking."

Board member Lynn Oliva said she was concerned about the possible precedent that could be set by approving a downtown residential project without parking. 

"This is the first time I know of that we would have a development without parking on site. That this development is so special that it shouldn't have to provide parking is a question," she said, adding that it could clear the way for other developers "to come in and ask for the same thing."

Giris said there is no place on the property to put parking.

"The site's under-utilized and we think this would be a very nice addition to the community," she said. "It's not practical to (include) on-site parking. It does provide 18 units, and there's a demand for that. It will be much nicer than it is today."

A new restaurant and 18 rental apartments have been proposed for 199-201 East Post Road in White Plains.

The developers said the apartments would be 850 square feet. The back units, facing Lyon Place, would include small balcony terraces. A 3,682-square-foot partially covered courtyard with seating is also to be built.

There is public permit parking available around the corner in the Lyon Place municipal garage.

"We see these 18 units potentially being rented to those who work (in the restaurant) or at any of the other restaurants in the area," said architect John Sullivan. "Those who work as bartenders, those who work as waitresses, etc. These are smaller units that are perfect for that lifestyle."

The Planning Board is expected to continue the discussion at its October meeting.

Twitter: @RichLiebson