Planning board meeting on Community Church apartment building proposal cancelled at request of developer
The Village of Pelham Planning Board won’t be discussing on Tuesday the proposal for an apartment building next to the Community Church of the Pelhams and the renovation of the church building.
The scheduled meeting “has been adjourned” at the request of developer Soren, R.E. LLC., according to an email from the Village of Pelham. No reason was given for the adjournment.
Soren R.E. and the church are seeking a change in the village zoning ordinance that would allow the construction of a five-story, 30-unit apartment building on the property, as well as see needed renovations of the church building. Former Pelham Mayor Michael Volpe is a principal in Soren R.E.
The Community Church, 100 years old this year, is located at 448 Washington Ave. in the Pelhamwood neighborhood.
The apartment building would be constructed in the church’s parking lot, with 80% of the rental units occupied by at least one individual aged 55 or older, the developer said. Soren R.E. and the church also said they envision providing on the site day-care services and 4,500 square feet of co-working space for the public to rent.
The Community Church sought the deal because of repairs it can’t afford. The church requires “seven-figure” spending on maintenance and renovation, including replacement of the roof, repairs to the storm-damaged basement floor, and upgrades to heating and air conditioning systems and disability access, according to the developer’s filing.
If the project does return to the planning board, the final decisions on the project must be made by the Village of Pelham Board of Trustees.
Separately, the Pelham Children’s Center issued a statement Thursday offering some form of partnership with the church to renovate the building, add more preschool space and create areas for afterschool programs without constructing rental housing. The PCC’s statement did not spell out how the partnership would work or the project would be funded.
