The Osborn retirement home navigated its third public hearing at the Rye Planning Commission on Tuesday night in regards to its planned expansion. The Planning Commission’s Chair Nick Everett stated the group’s primary concern is related to stormwater drainage on the site. Andrew Tung, a civil engineer and planner at DTS Provident Design Engineering working on behalf of The Osborn reviewed drainage, the expected 54 month construction schedule and other issues raised by the commission and the City’s outside consultant La Bella that has been reviewing plans and asking a myriad of questions to The Osborn and its reps.
The conversation on stormwater drainage focused on the property’s southwest corner (at the intersection of Osborn Road, Theall Road and diagonally across from Coolidge Avenue in the Glen Oaks neighborhood). Much has been made of the concern in part due to resident Dr. Miriam Haines who submitted a petition signed by 148 people requesting a full environmental impact statement for the project. Haines also showed a video of a rain event on October 30, 2025 (see below) where water is seen coming through The Osborn southwest retaining wall.
There was back and forth between Everett , Tung and Haines on the source, cause and severity of the water issue. Everett advanced that some of the water is runoff from the construction at The Osborn Elementary School. The schools are not subject to City of Rye regulations and have done a poor job of erosion control according to Everett. Other speakers at the public hearing portion of the meeting were primarily residents of The Osborn who not surprisingly spoke in favor of the project, and had various glowing remarks for the facility and its management.
The Planning Commission and The Osborn continue to methodically work through various issues identified the all parties including the public and LaBella (the city’s consultants). Additional hearings are expected. The full Planning Commission meeting is viewable below. Note there is both a public hearing on The Osborn (at the start of the video) and then a planning commission discussion on the issue starting at the 1:02 (one hour, two minute) mark.
(VIDEO, below: Stormwater from The Osborn – October 30, 2025.)
