Overview:
The Rye City Planning Commission will discuss a range of land use applications, including site plans, wetland permits, and outdoor dining permits, at their upcoming meeting on June 9, 2026. The commission will also discuss The Osborn Home's significant expansion, which has been a topic of concern for local residents due to water runoff during rain events. The commission is looking for The Osborn to explain how they can hold more water on the property during a flooding event. The commission's seven members are responsible for providing advisory recommendations to the City Council regarding long-range planning concerns and zoning matters.
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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, June 9, 2026 at 7:00pm and is held in the Mayor’s conference room or City Hall chambers 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.
The City’s outside consulting firm La Bella had just completed its review of the enhanced plans submitted by The Osborn prior to the last Planning Commission meeting on May 26. It is expected that Osborn will address LaBella’s concerns at the upcoming meeting.
Properties Being Discussed:
- The Osborn – 101 Theall Road – Site Plan (SP#415) and Tree Removal (TR#010) approvals for The Osborn expansion project.
- 751-761 Forest Avenue – Wetland Permit (WP#579) for a lot merger, demolition of an existing residence, and residential additions.
- 945 Forest Avenue – Wetland Permit (WP#582) for shoreline restoration, seawall replacement, and beach access improvements.
I. Public Hearing
1. The Osborn – 101 Theall Road
- 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, a wellness amenity building, and cottages. Continued from the May 26, 2026 meeting.
II. Work Session
1. 101 Theall Road – The Osborn – See description above.
2. 751-761 Forest Avenue
- Approvals: Wetland Permit (WP#579)
- Applicant: Rabbit Meadow LLC & Forest Meadow LLC
- Location: 751-761 Forest Avenue
- Merger of two lots, removal of the existing single-family residence at 751 Forest Avenue, and construction of additions to the residence.
3. 945 Forest Avenue
- Approvals: Wetland Permit (WP#582)
- Applicant: Olga Lizuka & Carvalho Vasconcellos
- Location: 945 Forest Avenue
- Restoration of the waterfront area, including replacement of a seawall and installation of a kayak ramp, stone walkway, and beach access stairs.
4. 1001 Forest Avenue
- Approvals: Wetland Permit (WP#577)
- Applicant: 1001 Forest Avenue Rye LLC
- Location: 1001 Forest Avenue
- Construction of a residential pier, gangway, and dock to provide recreational access to the water.
5. 72, 74, 76 High Street
- Approvals: Site Plan (SP#422)
- Applicant: Clifford Lent
- Location: 72, 74, 76 High Street
- Second-floor addition, new porch, and construction of a new two-car garage at 76 High Street.
6. Antonio’s Italian Deli & Market
- Approvals: Outdoor Dining Permit (OD#37-2026)
- Applicant: Laura Vicchio
- Location: 540 Milton Road
- Request for five outdoor dining tables and eight outdoor seats.
III. Minutes
Review and approval of prior Planning Commission meeting minutes.
