Session scheduled for Sunday (March 9)
Beacon’s Fishkill Avenue Concepts Committee will hold a public feedback session from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday (March 9) at Industrial Arts Brewing Co. at 511 Fishkill Ave.
The citizen committee in January brought four interim recommendations to the City Council while it continues its study of the mile-long corridor: (1) Prohibit self-storage facilities; (2) prohibit drive-thrus; (3) reduce the minimum front yard setback for new development, along with requirements for the placement of parking spaces; and (4) prohibit new auto-related uses such as gas stations, car washes, vehicle lots and repair shops, while allowing existing autocentric businesses in the corridor to remain as non-conformities.
The council is considering a law that would enact the first two recommendations; it was referred to the city and county planning boards for review last month. The recommendations were not unanimous among committee members, and city Planning Board members expressed reservations during a work session prior to a meeting in December.
The committee on Sunday may also hear feedback on other elements of its study, such as streetscapes, design standards for new buildings, accessibility for pedestrians and bikers and a potential Fishkill Avenue-to-Matteawan Road connector.
Two nights later, on March 11, the Planning Board will hold its monthly meeting where it could vote on a proposal by one of the Fishkill Avenue committee members to convert an existing building at 420 Fishkill Ave. to a Dunkin’ coffeehouse with drive-thru, added retail and three apartments.
