Development ‘Hole’ on Halstead Gets Green Light for Retail
By Jon Craig
An undeveloped eyesore in the heart of the Village of Harrison is one step closer to construction following last month’s Zoning Board of Appeals approval of multiple variances.
Alex D’Onofrio has scaled down his original plan for a mixed-use structure on a vacant lot at 249 Halstead Ave., Harrison, and now plans to build a one-story building featuring retail stores only. The open land, bordered by the Harrison School of Music to the east, and retail stores to the west, is appraised at $460,000. D’Onofrio also owns a building at 291 Halstead Ave., roughly two blocks east, that contains a Wells Fargo Bank.
A change to convert half the 249 Halstead Ave. property that borders Freemont Street to the south from residential to commercial zoning was approved 5-0 by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on May 22. Seven parking spaces are proposed at the rear, southern side of the new building, according to the proposal. The Harrison ZBA ok’d the new parking plans as well as variances for setbacks between properties.
The development project requires approval from the Harrison Planning Board and Village Board.
D’Onofrio plans three storefronts along Halstead Avenue, according to plans submitted to the Village of Harrison. Earlier plans included apartments on a second floor. The project has been scaled back to one story.
D’Onofrio reportedly had financial troubles during the economic recession that began in 2008, causing delays in the project. His attorney, John Voach, could not be reached for comment.
Residents from the 200 block of Freemont Street complained about Harrison’s recent piecemeal approach to zoning and planning.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.