Yorktown Adopts Zoning Permitting Boutique Hotels

(September 22, 2022) – Yorktown officials adopted zoning on Tuesday that allows for the construction of boutique hotels in certain business corridors.

The adoption of the new language in the Town Code allows a developer of a proposed three-story hotel on the corner of Veterans Road and Commerce Street to proceed with a site plan application to the Planning Board.

“This is not a final approval for the hotel. This is a textual change within our code to provide the parameters by which such applications can be reviewed and processed by our Planning Board. This application—like any other within the overlay district—will receive the same level of review in accordance with state and local laws,” said Supervisor Matt Slater.

According to the new zoning code language, a boutique hotel is a small, luxury hotel that does not have more than 25 rooms and that offers an enhanced level of services with unique accommodations. The proposed boutique hotel has 18 guest rooms and a rooftop bar and grill.

“It’s important that Yorktown consider new uses for outdated properties,” said Councilman Tom Diana.

A representative for the developer of the boutique hotel told the Town Board on Tuesday that he will ask the Town Board to forward the site plan application to the Planning Board at their next meeting.

“Our small business owners need more customers in our hamlets. These new boutique hotel rules are one way to diversify the types of businesses in our shopping areas,” said Councilman Sergio Esposito.

The new boutique hotel rules in the zoning code are the latest effort by the Town Board to enhance the Town’s business hamlets.

“Online shopping is changing retail and real estate, causing a shift to personal services businesses. A boutique hotel use is a service that cannot be delivered online,” said Councilman Ed Lachterman.

Last December, the Town Board voted to adopt overlay districts in Yorktown Heights’ and Lake Osceola’s business hamlets. The goal of the overlay districts is to encourage the creative redevelopment of functionally outdated properties, a greater flexibility of permitted land uses and visually harmonious streetscapes.

“It makes sense that boutique hotels should be restricted to our business hamlets where guests can shop at local stores and dine in nearby restaurants,” said Councilwoman Luciana Haughwout.

Contact:  Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, 914-962-5722 x201 or mslater@yorktownny.org