Planning Commission

- Planning Commission NOTICE of PUBLIC HEARING The Planning Commission of the City of Troy, New York conducted a public hearing on Thursday, December 19, th 2019 at 6 pm in the Main Conference Room, 5 Floor, City Hall, 433 River Street, in order to hear and decide on proposals for development as follows: 6:00 pm – Call to Order Roll Call: Chair Aaron Vera (AV), Suzanne Spellen (SS), Sara Wengert (SW), Anthony Mohen (AM), and Barbara Higbee (BH) recorded as present. Also in attendance: Andy Brick, Counsel; James Rath, Executive Secretary CONSENT AGENDA PRB2019-0649 48 Fourth St – Applicant is seeking a change of use (from retail to office space) PRB2019-0650 43 Third St – Applicant is seeking a change of use (vacant to neighborhood commercial) AV asked for public comment; no public comments were made. Motion to approve consent agenda made by AV, seconded by AM. Consent Agenda approved by a vote of 5-0. OLD BUSINESS PLPC2019-0085 – 71 Brunswick Rd – Applicant is proposing to demolish an existing deteriorated structure and build a new equipment building. Project location is 71 Brunswick Road, an R1 Zone, Tax Map ID 101.81-2-2. Applicant is Robert Talham, 71 Brunswick Road, Troy, NY 12180. Applicant clarified issues surrounding sight distances and signage. Motion to approve by SW, seconded by SS. APPROVED BY A VOTE OF 5-0 NEW BUSINESS PLPC2019 – 0095 -3283 Sixth Ave – Site Plan Review of a Change of Use from Convenience Store to Grocery Store. Project location is 3283 Sixth Ave, an R4 Zone, Tax Map ID 90.54-3-2. Applicant is Nolan Engineering, Applicant gave overview of proposed grocery store, stating the differences between a convenience store and grocery store are understood. The applicant submitted a petition with 84 signatures supporting the proposal. Andy Brick explained parameter of grocery store is that the store must use at least 75% of its accessible floor space for “foodstuffs” including fruits and vegetables. AV asked for public comment- over 12 members of the public spoke in favor of the proposal, 1 member of the public spoke in opposition. SS asked about employees and hours of operation. The applicant said there at least 2 employees present in the morning, 3 at night; with hours of operation from 7am to midnight. SS asked if on-site seating would be provided, the applicant stated there would be no seating and no loitering would be allowed. The board discussed the hours of operation, with concern that midnight was too late, and agreed on 7am-10pm, to which the applicant agreed to. AV reminded the applicant they can appeal to extend the hours at a later date. Conditions: 1. Parking amended to no more than 11 spaces, with space 4 (shown on the site plan) eliminated. 2. Hours will be no earlier than 7am and no later than 10pm. 3. Surveillance covering the interior and exterior of the property required, 24/7, kept for at least two weeks. 4. Any outdoor lighting must be downward facing and “darksky” compliant Motion to approve by SW, seconded by AM. APPROVED BY A VOTE OF 5-0 PC2018-0031 – 244-246 First Street - SEQRA and Site Plan Review of a proposal to demolish existing buildings and construct a 4-story, 81-unit residence with 96 parking spaces (with 15 spaces banked). Project location is 244-246 First Street, an IND Zone, Tax Map ID 100.84-6-10. Applicant is The Community Builders Inc., 90 State Street Suite 602, Albany, NY 12207. SW recused herself for the portion of the hearing. Motion to approve by AV, seconded by BH. APPROVED BY A VOTE OF 4-0 PRB2019-0842 - 869 Fifth Ave – SEQRA and Site Plan Review of a proposal to open a used car lot. Project location is 869 Fifth Ave, a B3 Zone, Tax Map ID 80.25-6-4. Applicant is Robert Shaw, 75 White Oak Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Motion to table by AV, seconded by BH. 4-0 PRD2019-0843 - 708 Jacob Street – Site Plan Review of a proposal to demolish a 3 story brick building. Project location is 708 Jacob Street, an R4 Zone, Tax Map ID 101.38-5-41. Applicant is RPI, 110 Eighth St, Troy, NY 12180. The applicant presented the case for needing to demolish the structure, citing several safety concerns. SW and AV expressed concerns over abrupt grade changes. The applicant assured the board there would be no unprotected abrupt grade changes, and would try to get the site to a simply lawn. AV asked the applicant to put up a sign, to warn people the building is unsafe. Motion to approve by AV, seconded by BH. APPROVED BY A VOTE OF 5-0 AV made a motion to adjourn at 7:35, seconded by AM. Approved 5-0 Executive Secretary City of Troy Planning Commission