SHARE

Eastchester/Tuckahoe Ice Rink Approved, Construction Starts In January

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. – Home Ice, the developer of a proposed ice rink on the Eastchester-Tuckahoe town line, has had its proposal approved by all necessary parties, and construction is set to begin next month.

A rendering of the proposed ice rink.

A rendering of the proposed ice rink.

Photo Credit: Contributed
The location on the Eastchester-Tuckahoe town line where an ice rink is set to be constructed.

The location on the Eastchester-Tuckahoe town line where an ice rink is set to be constructed.

Photo Credit: Zak Failla

The small ice rink – it will be 60 feet by 100 feet, one-third the size of a regulation rink – has been encouraged by local officials, but because it was on the border, it required the approval of both the Tuckahoe Village and Planning Boards, and the Eastchester Town and Zoning Boards.

Home Ice plans to specialize in introductory instruction for residents still new to strapping on the skates. In addition to the ice rink, there will be a smaller ice pad constructed, where there can be individualized training for youths.

According to the developers, there will be preferential treatment for Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Bronxville residents. There will be discount offered to town and village residents, and the town’s hockey teams are going to get free ice time each week during the season.

The plan also calls for an upstairs viewing area, overlooking the two ice surfaces for parents and spectators. There will be an additional skate rental and sharpening station, and a snack bar may be constructed, according to Barbuti Architects.

While discussing the proposal, concerns included the limited parking space on the heavily commercial street, traffic and noise, all of which has been assuaged.

A parking study conducted by BFJ Planning determined that the site would be 10 parking spaces short during peak hours, but due to 73 off-site parking spots, variances were granted by both municipalities.

Both planning boards also expressed concern regarding the chiller, which is required to cool the ice. Barbuti Architects – the same firm that designed the Broken Bow Brewery – commissioned acoustic engineering experts, who determined that the chiller wouldn’t exceed required town ordinances. As an extra precaution for nearby neighbors, the firm agreed to further noise-proof the chiller.

Now that the necessary boards have approved the proposal, construction is set to begin early next month, and should be completed during the spring. The rink will become the new home of the Bronxville youth hockey squad during its 2014 season.

The rink would be open each day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with expected spikes in action after school from 4 to 9 p.m., a time when most residents are coming home from work. This potential spike in traffic is one caveat the Planning Board has offered, according to Antonio Lee, the chair of the board.

to follow Daily Voice Eastchester and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE