Villagers Challenge Lennar Zoning Change

Lennar seeks approval from the Pleasantville Village Board to rezone 20.5 acres for a 102-unit townhouse community. The developer aims to convert three parcels at 1 and 3 Campus Drive and 8 Carey Court from Campus Office to residential zoning. This change is a prerequisite for the company to submit a site plan for the project behind the Foxwood condominium complex.

A dispute over property rights has emerged during the public hearing process. Foxwood homeowner Virginia Sanfratello argued that the board should delay the zoning decision until residents vote on a separate agreement. This agreement would transfer land from the condominium to Lennar in exchange for ending existing easements that allow traffic and parking through the complex.

The proposed land deal requires a two-thirds majority vote from unit owners in each of Foxwood's three sections. Sanfratello contended that Lennar cannot build the necessary sidewalks or widen Campus Drive without this specific property transfer. She stated that the developer does not currently possess the land required for these infrastructure improvements.

Mayor Peter Scherer responded that the timing of the Foxwood vote is an internal matter for the condominium association. He noted that the village's understanding is that the Foxwood boards have already negotiated a deal with Lennar. The mayor warned, however, that the zoning amendment is tied to Lennar's ability to complete the project as presented.

Anne Sinnott, vice president of the Foxwood Homeowner Association, indicated that a vote is unlikely to occur at the annual meeting on November 10. The association, which oversees 254 units across three separate boards, stated it needs time to modify bylaws and prepare ballots. Sinnott noted that many residents believe they have not received sufficient information to make an informed decision.

Approximately 70 residents attended the hearing at the Pleasantville High School auditorium, while another 80 watched via video link. During the session, about 20 residents voiced concerns regarding traffic, housing affordability, and stormwater management. Loretta Chiavetta expressed frustration, stating that the community feels the board has already decided the outcome.

Lennar representatives presented revisions to the original proposal submitted last October. Changes include moving two units farther from Manville Lane and adding recreational amenities such as renovated sports courts and a nature trail. The plan also includes dedicating approximately 1.1 acres of land near Washington Avenue to the village.

Tony Burton, a resident, urged the board to oppose the zoning change, arguing it would primarily benefit the developer. He stated that Lennar's economic interests alone do not justify a change to village zoning laws. The Conservation Advisory Council also raised objections, suggesting a maximum density of 85 units rather than 102.

Michael Inglis of the Conservation Advisory Council noted that Lennar has increased the amount of forest it plans to preserve from two acres to four. He argued that the village code requires natural resource preservation to be a fundamental reason for any Planned Unit Development code change. Inglis estimated that preserving the mature forest in its entirety would protect seven or eight acres.

The public hearing concluded on Monday, but the village will accept written comments through November 16. Kathy Russo, a resident, told The Examiner that the proposal puts Pleasantville at risk of overdevelopment. She described the plan as inconsistent with the character of the surrounding single-family neighborhood.