City Council

Minutes of the TROY CITY COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE September 27, 2021 6:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Committee Chair Cummings. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call: The roll being called, the following answered to their names: Council Member Ashe- McPherson, Council Member Steele, and Council Member Cummings, Chair. Council Member Gulli, Council Member Zalewski, and Council Member McDermott were also present. In attendance were Mayor Patrick Madden, Commissioner of Planning & Economic Development Steven Strichman, Assistant Planner James Rath, and City Engineer Aaron Vera. Public Forum: • Bonnie Engelman regarding dog parks. Ms. Engelman also submitted a statement, see Appendix A. Rath gave a presentation on the administration plan for City parks. (See Appendix B.) 74. Ordinance Authorizing And Directing Transfer Of Parcels To The Troy Local Development Corporation (Council President Mantello) (At The Request Of The Administration) Ordinance passed 3 ayes, 0 nos, 0 abstentions. 65. Resolution Determining That Proposed Unlisted Action Shall Have No Significant Adverse Impacts On The Environment (Council President Mantello) (At The Request Of The Administration) Resolution passed 3 ayes, 0 nos, 0 abstentions. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. A video recording of this meeting is on file at the City Clerk's office. Appendix A Dear Council Members, I am a six year resident of Troy, and for much longer have been an outspoken animal activist. I've served as District Leader for the Humane Society of the U.S. for the past five years, have completed required course work for Red Rover, the animal wing of FEMA, and been deployed to areas to assist dogs who have suffered abuse, have been a global volunteer, living in Mexico for two months, helping at a veterinary clinic, spaying and neutering street animals, have served as art's chair for the Menands shelter's annual fundraiser, “Art Saves Animals”, have volunteered with several, local rescue groups, including The Animal Support Project (TASP) and 11th Hour Canine Rescue working at adoption clinics and with fundraisers, have fostered dogs for various organizations, and found them good, forever homes, and write OPEDs for the Times Union, always on animal issues – my most recent effort, on passing the SAFE Act, to prevent horse slaughter, will appear this Thursday, Sep 30th. I also work as a professional pet sitter, caring for animals when their humans go away, dog walking, cat feeding, whatever needs to be done. As a result of my pet sitting duties, I have become increasingly aware of the real need for a dog park, to serve downtown Troy. I live in Monument Square and constantly see residents walking their dogs. So many dogs! Because I studied photography, I often ask if I may photograph their animals and am usually greeted with enthusiastic, positive responses. Conversation ensues and I often hear the wish for a place where the pets can go off leash, run, play with other animals and just act like dogs. In a town as increasingly progressive as Troy, it's surprising that such a place doesn't already exist! I did research on the benefits of dog parks, both for the animals and their humans, and found many: they give dogs a safe space to exercise and roam around freely; they allow dogs to socialize; they encourage humans to be physically active with their pets. Further, they bring the community together; they build a dog-friendly network; they provide dogs with some freedom and help reduce troublesome behaviors through physical and mental stimulation. Dog parks provide a location where pet owners can mingle and discuss issues surrounding their animals, like best vets, organic food and of course, pet sitters. They can foster friendships, among both animal and man, and their existence is definitely a asset to those considering a move to the area. They are a win-win addition to the community, and Troy would certainly benefit from the establishment of one. I have started recruiting dog owners who are in favor of a park, who would be willing to serve on a “Friends of the Dog Park” committee and in just one day have amassed several names, with more promised. There is great community support for this endeavor and I know a lot of planning has already been done towards it's development. With the help of spirited individuals who would assist in the maintenance of a park, I'm sure we can make it a reality this year. Troy will be the better for it. Thank you, Bonnie Engelman Troy, NY 12180 2 Prospect Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: Prospect Park is one of Troy’s largest and most valuable greenspaces. The park has a rich history and a diverse array of features, including tennis courts, a disc golf course, trails, fields, and more. While the park’s terrain is an interesting and valuable feature, it also creates access challenges, particularly for FT nearby pedestrians. The park’s wide array of infrastructure is generally quite dated, which includes a raised swimming pool that is likely beyond repair. Prospect Park has long suffered from mistreatment, perhaps due to its secluded nature, specifically from littering/dumping, driving on lawns, and drug use. Before the pandemic, it was not uncommon to visit Prospect Park in the middle of a nice day and not see another person. The disc golf course has been extremely successful in cleaning up an unused section of the park and bringing more people to enjoy it. The increased foot traffic improves the perceived safety of the space, while recent traffic pattern changes have curbed some of the lawn damage issues. Vision: Reestablishing Prospect Park as a gem in Troy’s crown starts with maintenance and activation. Existing infrastructure should be analyzed to determine its usefulness and condition. Amenities in-demand that need repair should be fixed or replaced. A space for music and events should be established, perhaps by reusing the pool structure. If reusing the pool is not feasible a long-term plan for the structure should be developed and another site for a stage should be identified. New access to RA the park, particularly near downtown should be established. Scope: •Establish pedestrian connection to downtown •May include the “wall” area near Ferry St, where existing staircase is in disrepair •Coordination with RPI needed •Create new “destination” playground area •Analyze traffic flow •Restrict vehicle access where needed •Remove guide rail where not needed D City of Troy 49  Appendix B FT RA City of Troy Prospect Park D Troy, NY July, 2021 0 100' 200' 400'  Appendix B FT RA City of Troy D Prospect Park - Trail Connections to Ferry St Troy, NY July, 2021 0 50' 100' 200' Knickerbacker Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: Knickerbacker Park is a major city park located in North Troy. The park is conveniently located adjacent to Knickerbacker Middle School and Lansingburgh High School, as well as the Uncle Sam Bikeway. The existing amenities within the park include baseball fields, basketball courts, hockey rink FT and indoor skating arena, playgrounds, soccer fields, track, and spray ground. Vision: Knickerbacker Park should continue to expand upon its wide range of amenities that it offers its users wherever possible. Community interest in the addition of a dog park and a football field within the park should be explored. Connections to adjacent facilities should be taken advantage with additional points of access into the park. Scope: •Create a new football field within the infield of the existing track •Addition of a concession/team support building to support the football field •Create a dog park accommodating both large and small dogs •Make a trail connection to the Uncle Sam Bikeway •Additional Park improvements being made as part of a separate effort •Removal and replacement of pool and splash pad facilities RA •Re-organized parking space •Additional playground space •Relocated basketball court D City of Troy 41  Appendix B City of Troy Troy, NY 0 100' 200' 400' Knickerbacker Park July, 2021 Troy Rail Trail Improvements Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: Formerly known as the Uncle Sam Bike Trail, the Troy Rail Trail (TRT) is an (approx.) 3 mile off-road, multi-use, asphalt trail. The TRT connects Middleburgh St from the south to Northern Drive and intersects with Ingalls, Gurley, and Cemetery. The trail also has access points at Garden Ct, Glen Ave FT (where it also connects to the MLK apartments), and Knickerbocker Park. These access points, along with other “desire paths” lack appropriate signage and formalization. The TRT has become a valued asset in the community, but struggles with ATV use, which makes other trail users feel unsafe and decreases use. Wayfinding signage is currently being fabricated (5/21) and will be installed, directing people to trailheads and formally branding the trail as the Troy Rail Trail. Current trail access points do not conform with ADA guidelines. Some sections of pavement, especially on the southernmost section, is quite deteriorated. Vision: As the TRT connects thousands of residents to a valuable recreation source, it should be invested in and improved to make residents feel safe and welcomed. TRT access points should be formalized with the addition of trailhead kiosks, landscaping, and other infrastructure. Trail users should be able to easily access Knickerbocker Park and navigate entrance ways. Trail access points should be assessed to ensure they are safely navigable. RA Scope: •Determine trailhead/gateway treatments •Improve and add landscaping at trail connections •Install Fencing (on sides of trail entrance) - split rail •Create ADA accessible trail connections with directional signage, lighting, •Establish a new access point at Ives Ct. •Establish navigable route between TRT and Knickerbocker Park •Develop strategy to mitigate ATV use D City of Troy 54  Appendix B FT RA D  Appendix B FT RA D 112th Street Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: 112th St Park is in a prime location, at the center of Lansingburgh along the 112th St corridor, just blocks from the 112th St Bridge gateway. In its current state, the park lacks amenities, but has promising potential and few site constraints. The park currently consists of a massive grass area, basketball courts, and a playground. There have been FT reports of negative park use, including adults drinking and smoking in the afternoon. 112th St Park also lacks placemaking elements and pathways. Vision: The existing park should be transformed into a vibrant common area for all of Lansingburgh to enjoy. A new sense of place should be established through walking paths, signage, seating, trees, and more. The park should feel balanced (not overflowing) with elements throughout. Scope: •Relocate playground to NW corner, close to the Boys and Girls Club •Refurbish existing equipment •Add new elements •Create walking paths from each end of the park, with a central meeting point in the center •Create a point of interest in the middle (e.g. large Mulberry tree) •Maintain a large lawn for passive play on the west side of the park RA •Basketball courts and bathroom (small structure) to remain •Plant shade trees to create a comfortable picnic area on the east side of the park •Provide seating (ADA) along walkways •Add small-scale lighting •Fencing •Remove tall fencing from areas (other than where needed for sports, along basketball court and on west side) •Add short fencing around playground •Add decorative fencing around some of the other areas of the parks, to emphasize entrances D City of Troy 9  Appendix B FT RA City of Troy D 112th Street Park: Concept 1 Troy, NY June 17, 2021 0 30' 60' 120'  Appendix B FT RA City of Troy D 112th Street Park: Concept 2 Troy, NY June, 2021 0 30' 60' 120' 6th Avenue Dog Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: The City of Troy is currently without a true dog park. There is an existing fenced area for dogs at Kinloch Park, but it is underutilized due to the location, orientation, and lack of amenities. The City has ample space for a more robust dog park or could establish a few, smaller dog parks that would be easily accessible for residents FT The corner of 6th Avenue and Peoples Avenue is a prime location in the city for a public dog park. It is located next to the Collar City Bridge and in between downtown Troy and Hoosick Street. Existing amenities within this site consists of a small plaza area and pedestrian walk ways under shade deciduous trees. The site is also situated next to the John F. Kennedy Towers Senior Housing, whose residents heavily use the site. Vision: A successful dog park in Troy must be accessible and well designed. It must be easy for residents to access it without a vehicle and must be visible enough for accountability, while not being a nuisance to nearby residents. Scope: •Create large (approx 1 acre) fenced in area for dogs to play and socialize off-leash •Create “double-gate” areas at all entrance/exits RA •Install dog site furnishings including dog water fountains and waste stations •Consider maintenance needs and access •Install planting along 6th Ave to create a buffer between the sidewalk and dog park •Maintain existing seating for those using paths •Signage •Trash Cans •Maintenance Plan D City of Troy 3  Appendix B FT RA D Canal Avenue Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: Canal Ave Park is a small neighborhood park at 3rd St and Canal Ave in South Troy. The park has a small playground, benches, and a grill. The park’s layout and high, chain link fencing makes the space feel smaller and less welcoming. With one formal gate, oriented east on 3rd, the park can feel “full” FT or unwelcoming with few occupants. Just north of a 3 story structure, the lot is shady for a lot of the day. The City has used the adjacent roadway on Canal as a “cooling station” in previous summers. Canal Ave Park is the only publicly accessible greenspace in the area, where there are many residents, including families, in the neighborhood. It’s proximity to the Poestenkill Canal offers an interesting opportunity to connect the park to natural elements and more residents. The park is directly across from the Osgood Fire House. For fire vehicle access, no parking is permitted along the park, which allows for more visibility. Vision: The Canal Ave Park should be a valued asset for the immediate community, where residents of all ages feel welcome to spend time. While the existing equipment in the park appears to be in usable condition, its layout should be redesigned to better use the space. The existing fencing should be removed and replaced where needed, with a fence of more appropriate scale and form. The space on Canal Ave used for the cooling station should be permanently converted into park space. Connecting the cooling station elements and playground will allow for a zone tailored towards youth, while other RA elements of the park can be reimagined to accommodate residents of all ages. Scope: •Remove existing fencing and replace where needed with 4 ft black aluminum fencing •Remove and replace signage, add identification sign “Canal Ave Park” or other branding and sense of arrival •Redesign and reorient park layout- Include section of Canal Ave, east of Franklin alley •Refurb or replace equipment, as needed •Maintain alley access and visibility D City of Troy 19  Appendix B FT RA D Beman Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: Beman Park is a larger greenspace at the corner of 15th St and Peoples Ave, connecting the Hillside South and RPI communities. The park is also adjacent to St. Peter’s Hospital and Jacob St, where it is directly across from many dwellings. This location increases the prominence and potential of Beman FT Park, while providing areas that are quite visible and others that are more secluded. The park has no external fencing, but does have a fenced-in playground. The playground fencing does create an unnatural barrier in the center of the park, where a path may be desired. There are also some drainage issues in this area. Another feature of the park includes a point of high elevation- this may have been a valued feature in the past, but lacks a formal use or landscape today. Vision: The neighboring community has shared valuable input on what the park’s vision should include. It’s valued presence and generally well-tended, pastoral landscape makes it a relatively good space as- is. The park would largely benefit from some spaces receiving more formalized treatments, namely the playground space, drainage area, and high elevation point. Also, by creating greater connections through the park and to the surrounding neighborhood along Jacob Street. Scope: •Evaluate best location for playground and relocate RA •Create intentional and useful walking route to connect the neighborhood •Fencing around playground to be removed and reused for a fenced in dog park •Address drainage issues -assess whether this can be accomplished with a rain garden •Establish point of interest at top of hillside •Remove dead trees, plant next generation •Plant perennial flowers and mixes to encourage pollinators D City of Troy 16  Appendix B FT RA D Cragin Avenue Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: Cragin Avenue Park is a neglected park space in North Troy with a lot of potential. This park is adjacent to the Troy Rail Trail (TRT) and baseball fields for Troy Central Little League along a dead end street. The existing basketball court has no hoops, is old and in disrepair, and currently the sites only FT amenity. The park currently is uninviting and has no active recreation for users or designed space for passive enjoyment. Vision: Creating a path to the TRT connects this neighborhood to the rest of the city and gives trail users and residents a place to gather. Transforming this underutilized space into a vibrant greenspace with gardens, active play, and seating areas for local families will create a safer space for all. Scope: •Create a more family oriented neighborhood space •Create small playground for young children •Create spaces for neighborhood residents to gather •Create walking paths to encourage movement into and through the site •Establish an ADA accessible connection to TRT with directional signage •Remove existing basketball court surface RA D City of Troy 23  Appendix B FT RA D  Appendix B FT RA D 6th Avenue Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: 6th Ave Park is a small community park located between Old 6th Ave and 6th Ave. Existing amenities within the park include one basketball court and playground equipment. Due to the proximity of the park to the surrounding busy streets, the park lacks a sense of place and comfort. Vision: FT Re-establish the parks sense of place by making it a more comfortable space to be in as well as refurbish and/or update existing park amenities. Scope: •Install planting along 6th Ave to create a buffer between the busy street and park users •Refurbish existing basketball court •Replace existing playground equipment and safety surfacing •Replace fencing around park perimeter RA D City of Troy 6  Appendix B FT RA City of Troy 6th Avenue Park D Troy, NY July, 2021 0 15' 30' 60' Kinloch Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: Kinloch Park is a community park located at the end of Parmenter Ave and adjacent to Emma Willard School. Amenities currently available within the park include a playground, 2 basketball courts, an open free play area, and a dog park. Due to the current drainage pattern at the park, there are FT significant drainage issues within the park. In its current state, the park amenities are dilapidated, and the park lacks connection to the surrounding community. Vision: The existing park should be re-established as a community feature. Additional connection points should be made for more convenient access into the park from around the community. Existing park amenities such as the playground, basketball courts, and the dog park should be renovated and the drainage issues within the park should be addressed to allow proper use of the free play area to demonstrate care within community facilities. Scope: •Address drainage problems within the free play area •Create trail connection to Vista Ave •Remove and install new playground equipment •Refurbish the existing basketball courts RA •Refurbish the existing dog park •Install new picnic pavilion •Install new splash pad equipment and required restroom/maintenance building •Create parking within the park D City of Troy 37  Appendix B FT RA City of Troy D Kinloch Park: Concept 1 Troy, NY July, 2021 0 30' 60' 120'  Appendix B FT RA City of Troy D Kinloch Park: Concept 2 Troy, NY July, 2021 0 30' 60' 120' Poestenkill Gorge Park Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: The Poestenkill Gorge Park is a unique natural amenity to the City of Troy. The current trails on the park are in need of repairs, new railings, and additional clearing. The current trail system was terminated near the Gorge years ago, but the old infrastructure still remains and does not deter users from FT trespassing past in attempts to traverse down to the Gorge. This route to the water is very steep and unsafe for park users. Vision: Turning this side of the Gorge into a gathering and viewing area will allow users to enjoy this great water resource safely. Improving the trails that are currently on site to encourage walkers and runners to come to the site. Future plans to connect the park to the rest of the city through a sidewalk connection down to Spring Ave and en eventual connection to the gorge on it’s north side that will be a safer route for park goers to enjoy. Scope: •Improve parking lot by regrading and resurfacing •Install a park sign for motorists traveling west along Linden Ave •Install wayfinding trail signage and a trail head •Create a large overlook plaza space for users to gather and enjoy the water from RA •Improve existing trails D City of Troy 44  Appendix B FT RA D  Appendix B FT RA D Hudson River Water Lobbies Appendix B ABOUT THE PARK Conditions: The shore of the Hudson river currently feels closed off from the public in north Troy. From 112th St up to 123rd St along the rivers edge on 1st Ave, there are multiple water lobbies that are currently empty lots, full of brush, or are being encroached upon by adjacent homeowners. Vision: FT Opening the shore of the Hudson river to the people of Troy by creating spaces that are welcoming and active. City owned land at the terminus of east-west streets will become special places where the city meets the river. Public streets that end at the water’s edge will be transformed into waterfront lobbies for improved enjoyment and access to the waterfront. These areas will provide places to sit, rest and view the waterfront and will be attractively landscaped with trees for shade. Scope: •Create water lobbies along the Hudson River, spaces along the water’s edge that are located at the end of public streets and provide opportunities for enhanced recreational enjoyment and public access to the waterfront •Add benches and signage promoting these as public space •Create paths and overlooks to get users closer to the water’s edge RA •Improve connection these areas to the surrounding neighborhood with proposed sidewalks and crosswalks. D City of Troy 28  Appendix B FT RA D  Appendix B FT RA D  Appendix B FT RA D