October 12, 2013 Theresa Juva-Brown

The consortium building the new Tappan Zee Bridge is learrning that finding parking for its workers can feel just as complicated as dredging the bottom of the Hudson River.

Tappan Zee Constructors is already renting an office and 135 parking spaces on the property of Hudson Harbor, a condominium complex in Tarrytown. To accommodate the growing number of construction workers, TZC wants to add up to 165 parking spaces there.

But doing so would violate Tarrytown’s zoning code, which calls for that vacant area to eventually be used for condominiums, village officials say.

The rule also requires that Hudson Harbor’s parking lots be used by people who live or work there.

The new parking area would be used by bridge workers who would take boats from a nearby pier to construction sites on the river.

“What’s embedded in the zoning code is the municipal desire not to have parking lots all over the place — that’s why (Hudson Harbor) is not zoned for parking and it’s slated for development,” Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell said. “Having a parking lot for construction work on the Tappan Zee Bridge was not envisioned for this.”

Fixell noted that there were other parking areas TZC could consider in or near the village, but those options may not be as convenient and could involve paying for permits.

TZC declined to comment on the parking proposal. State officials and a Hudson Harbor spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

Village Administrator Mike Blau said trustees would have to approve a zoning code amendment to allow the new lot. He added that several Hudson Harbor residents have expressed to him their concern about the idea.

Trustees are expected to discuss TZC’s proposal next week and make a decision in the coming weeks, Blau said.

Read complete article here: http://www.lohud.com/article/20131012/NEWS/310120108