The Mount Vernon Planning Board held a public hearing on an application to establish a 50‑space open commercial parking lot at the corner of West Grand Street and Locust (case listed as North McQuiston Parkway / Section 165.21, Blocks 1026, Lots 1 and 47 in the CV Commercial Business District). Applicant Gregory Moss, representing Fleetwood Parking LLC, said the lot would serve nearby businesses and transit users while the owner pursues longer‑term redevelopment.

Application and operation details

- Proposal: site plan and special permit to operate a 50‑space open parking lot on an existing gravel surface. The applicant said the lot would be managed by a commercial operator that runs other Metro‑North station lots.

- Hours and access: The applicant said the lot would be locked overnight (applicant described lock at about 11 p.m. and reopening at about 6 a.m.), with operators providing controlled access for monthly renters. Staff and commissioners noted that residents could still seek access outside lock hours in limited circumstances.

- Safety and operations: Applicant said cameras and lighting are already on site; the operator would manage cleaning and routine maintenance. The applicant indicated two ADA spaces would be provided (code‑compliant striping and signage required).

Concerns and requested follow‑up

Board members and staff asked for further documentation before taking action:

- Stormwater and drainage: County and city staff comments flagged uncertainty about the amount of impervious surface and requested clarification on how runoff would be managed. The planning board asked the applicant to provide evidence (for example, percolation or drainage tests or DPW recommendations) showing whether the existing gravel surface increases runoff and whether on‑site retention or other mitigation is needed.

- Lighting: Commissioners asked for light fixtures’ specifications and night‑time photographs to confirm that installed lights are downward facing and do not significantly illuminate neighboring residences.

- Operations and signage: The board requested clarification on enforcement for designated monthly spaces, towing/management procedures, circulation arrows and pedestrian routing through the lot. Commissioners asked that ADA spaces be clearly located near pedestrian gates and that pavement striping and numbering match the approved site plan.

- Public comments and interagency review: Staff read written comments from nearby residents and businesses urging mitigation of double‑parking and brighter, cleaner sidewalks. Westchester County planning staff recommended transportation demand management options, bicycle parking, consideration of electric‑vehicle charging in future redevelopment, and on‑site stormwater treatment where feasible. The city’s public works and building departments are to be asked for separate written comments on drainage, curb cuts and permits.

Applicant responses and other clarifications

Gregory Moss said he has cleaned and maintained the vacant lot since acquiring it and described a longer‑term intention to pursue a mixed‑use project. He said monthly parking fees would be modest and that the commercial operator would prioritize local business needs and lot maintenance. Applicant and operator representatives told the board the proposed layout provides adequate aisles and turning radii and that the lot as proposed would not require an on‑site attendant to manage day‑to‑day circulation.

Next steps

The board did not vote on the application at the hearing. Staff will collect comments from the city departments (DPW, building and public safety) and the county and ask the applicant to submit drainage documentation, lighting specs/photographs, and a revised site plan that clearly marks ADA spaces, pedestrian gates and circulation signage. The hearing record includes written support from nearby businesses and written concerns from residents about lights, maintenance and existing illegal parking on the site.

Ending: The board kept the public hearing record open and directed staff to return with agency comments and applicant revisions before a final vote.