A proposed three-story multi-family building on South Riverside Avenue moved forward this week, as the Croton Planning Board unanimously approved an amended site plan that swaps out a bulky concrete ramp for a more streamlined entrance. By a 5-0 vote on Tuesday, the board signed off on changes to the Croton Riverside, LLC project at 25 South Riverside Ave. The most visible shift is the removal of a large concrete ADA ramp, which will be replaced by a steel ADA lift. Pedestrians will now access the front entrance via stairs, allowing for what the applicants described as a "softer front" and expanded planting areas along the north end of the building. To appease neighbors on Barton Place, the updated landscape plan includes the planting of 8-10 foot arborvitaes. Board member Steve Krisky successfully pushed for a third condition requiring ivy or similar vegetation to be planted on the retaining wall at the rear of the property to "green" the wall. During the public hearing, Chairman Rob Luntz read a letter from neighbor Lauren Davis raising concerns about the rear of the property. The board clarified that because the project was already approved in 2021, and the current amendments only impact the front of the building, they could not address the rear-facing issues raised in the email. In other business, the board pushed back on a proposal from the Village Board of Trustees to appoint alternate members to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. Deputy Mayor Len Simon noted that most surrounding communities use alternates to prevent applicant delays. However, Planning Board members expressed skepticism, questioning whether an alternate could steer discussions without casting a vote. "I could not think of another Village that does not have alternate members," said Village Attorney Dan Pozin, arguing they would prevent delays if a member misses several meetings. Resident Ed Riely of Truesdale Drive suggested the Village Board of Trustees needs alternates more than the Planning Board does. Ultimately, the Planning Board concluded the role might be better suited for other boards with attendance issues and plans to send its feedback to the Trustees. Residents should also note that the Planning Board may soon be changing its meeting nights. At the request of the Village Manager, the board is considering shifting from the first and third Tuesdays of the month to the second and fourth Tuesdays to better align with legal and planning consultant schedules.