Disclosure: This story was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Feedback on our stories is welcome.
The Rye City Planning Commission is responsible for decisions on a variety of land use applications including site plans, subdivisions, wetland permits, coastal consistency determinations, special use permits and outdoor dining permits. The Commission also periodically provides advisory recommendations to the City Council regarding long-range planning concerns and zoning matters.
The next commission meeting is on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00pm and is typically held in the City Council room or Mayor’s conference room at Rye City Hall. NOTE: This meeting will be held on the second floor of the Locust Avenue Firehouse due to the HVAC renovation at Rye City Hall.
The meetings provide a look at upcoming developments in Rye, ensuring community members stay informed about significant property changes and planning decisions.
The commission’s seven members are Nicholas Everett (chair), Andrew Ball, Laura Brett, Dan Bsharat, Rick Schaupp, Steven Secon and Jamie Jensen (councilmember liaison). Read Meet the Planning Commission and its Chair Nick Everett.
Plans and application materials can be viewed here. Note: due to “security and privacy concerns” as of April 1, 2025, viewing plans online “plans will be available for approximately one week after posting of the meeting agenda on the City’s website. Those wishing to view plans will also be required to login”.
The Osborn Home
The Osborn Home is about to undergo a significant expansion. It is expected the discussion will focus on additional remediation they would plan for the southwest corner of the property, at the corner of Theall Road and Osborn Road. Local residents have expressed concerns and shown video of water running off this area of the property during rain events. The Planning Commission is looking for The Osborn to explain how they can hold more water on the property during a flooding event.
This appears to be the last significant hurdle before The Osborn receives the blessing of the planning commission. “I feel comfortable that we can give this a negative declaration,” said Planning Chair Nick Everett during the group’s work session back in December – planning ‘speak’ indicating approval.
Based on discussion at the last Planning meeting, the City is waiting for its outside consulting firm La Bella to complete its review of the enhanced plans submitted by Thew Osborn to contain water on its property.
Properties Being Discussed:
- 101 Theall Road – Site Plan (SP#415) and Tree Removal (TR#010) approvals for The Osborn expansion project.
- 100 Purchase Street – Site Plan Modification (SP#421 / OD#34-2026) related to a proposed one-story addition.
- 14 Mendota Avenue – Wetland Permit (WP#580) to elevate an existing residence to meet FEMA flood regulations.
- 751-761 Forest Avenue – Wetland Permit (WP#579) involving merger of two properties, demolition of a residence at 751 Forest Avenue, and additions to the residence at 761 Forest Avenue.
I. Public Hearings
1. 101 Theall Road – The Osborn
- Approvals: Site Plan (SP#415) & Tree Removal (TR#010)
- Applicant: Miriam Osborn Memorial Home Association
- Location: 101 Theall Road
- Construction of several new facilities, including independent living apartment buildings, an assisted living building, wellness amenity building, and cottages.
2. 100 Purchase Street – Antique Garage
- Approvals: Site Plan Modification (SP#421 / OD#34-2026)
- Applicant: Utku Cinel
- Location: 100 Purchase Street
- One-story addition to the building and modification of outdoor seating.
II. Work Session
1. 101 Theall Road (The Osborn) – See description above.
2. 100 Purchase Street (Antique Garage) – See description above.
3. 14 Mendota Avenue
- Approvals: Wetland Permit (WP#580)
- Applicant: Matthew Tarpley
- Location: 14 Mendota Avenue
- Elevation of existing single-family residence to meet FEMA flood regulations; replacement and expansion of existing deck and driveway; and removal of flagstone walkway.
4. 751-761 Forest Avenue
- Approvals: Wetland Permit (WP#579)
- Applicant: Rabbit Meadow LLC & Forest Meadow LLC
- Location: 751-761 Forest Avenue
- Merger of two properties, removal of the single-family residence at 751 Forest Avenue, and additions to the single-family residence at 761 Forest Avenue.
III. Minutes
