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New Apartment Building Discussed In Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. – Macquestin Development is hoping to help transform the neighborhood that surrounds 130 Mount Vernon Ave. with an 11-story mixed-use apartment building that would also include retail at the location.

Macquestin Development President Rella Fogliano said she believes this project would take the city, specifically the neighborhood it's planned for, forward. The building would be the first thing people would see when entering Mount Vernon from the south end of the city. However, the color pattern caused some concern among members of the Architectural Review Board.

Architect Michael DePasquale said the building would have setback windows to create more of a shadow when the sun sets. DePasquale added that there will also be a recreation center on the roof, which he said would have a spectacular view for the residents. Fogliano said Mount Vernon is ripe in this area for new designs and innovation and that she is willing to dedicate her own resources and funding to get the building constructed.

“We’re ready to move forward,” Fogliano said. “This is a gateway area. While it is true that there is nothing like it around, I have no qualms about being the first. If we build it, they will come.”

Planning Administrator William Long said that according to the city’s draft comprehensive plan, the proposed area where the building is planned to be constructed is considered a “higher intensity” planning area.

“The planning department is working to rezone the Mount Vernon Avenue corridor for mixed-development use like this building,” Long said. “From the city’s standpoint, the biggest thing is to change the zoning to open it up to mixed-use.”

Fogliano said that the building, if approved, would be completed by 2014. The project still needs to go before the planning board for approval. If any changes are made to its design, Macquestin would have to return to the Architectural Review Board.

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