Armonk Café Project Gets Planning Board Declaration Reaffirmed
An Armonk nursery cleared its latest hurdle in hopes of expanding its café on its premises.
The North Castle Planning Board reaffirmed a negative declaration for the Mariani Garden Center, determining that the changes on its property would not have adverse effects on the environment during an Aug. 5 meeting. By voting unanimously for the negative declaration, the Nursery Business Zoning District would face fewer restrictions for any additional uses the owner would want to implement.
Mariani Garden Center, located at 45 Bedford Rd. recently eliminated attempting to use the site for parties up to 200 guests. Still, it calls for an expansion from the current 1,000 square feet with 16 seats to about 3,500 square feet and 72 seats. The facility would also serve wine and beer and have waiter service.
Planning Board Chairman Arthur Adelman said that the board didn’t approve the negative declaration at the previous meeting because only three board members were present, even if technically the board could have issued it.
The planning board also voted 4-1 to make a favorable recommendation to the town board, with the lone dissent being board member John Delano.
Though he voted for the recommendation, board member Steve Sauro said he had reservations, noting the expansion.
“I think it’s a stretch to go from an expanded café because it’s a restaurant in a nursery business zone so we’re being very lenient I believe,” Sauro said. “And it’s a stretch.”
There has been opposition toward the project and the required zoning text amendment because of its possible effect on the nearby historic district and most notably, the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Adelman added that there are at least two more possible public hearings on the zoning change. One would be on the town board side for Aug. 14 and another on the planning board side if the town board sends the site plan over.
“Nobody’s trying to shut anybody out,” Adelman said. “But there is such a thing as all the information being in.”
