Planning Commission

Wm. Patrick Madden Steven Strichman Mayor Commissioner of Planning Monica Kurzejeski Phone: (518) 279-7166 Deputy Mayor steven.strichman@troyny.gov Planning Commission 433 River St., Ste. 5001 Troy, New York 12180 MEETING MINUTES (DRAFT) The Planning Commission of the City of Troy, New York, conducted a public meeting at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021, on the 5th Floor of 433 River Street, to act upon the following requests, referred by the Bureau of Code Enforcement of the City of Troy, for review and approval. 6:03 pm – Meeting called to order Commissioners in Attendance Barbara Higbee (BH), Anthony Mohen (AM), Suzanne Spellen (SS), Roddy Yagan (RY), Sara Wengert (SW) Also in Attendance Andy Brick (Planning and Zoning Attorney), Aaron Vera (Executive Secretary), Dash Chrisner (Planning Technician) Administrative Items Adoption of Meeting Minutes from September 20th by Resolution • SS motioned to approve Meeting Minutes from September 20th. RY seconded: Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion to approve Meeting Minutes from September 20th passed 4-0. Consent PLPC 2021 0037 – 848 Fourth Avenue (80.25-11-11) Change of Use – SEQR Type II The applicant, Kevin Vandenburgh, is proposing to use this property as a professional office and a woodshop. PLPC 2021 0051 – 753-757 Burden Avenue (111.68-4-4) Site Plan Review – SEQR Type II The applicant, 757 Burden Group LLC, is proposing to renovate the first floor of the building (2,000 sq. ft.) for two offices; remainder of building to remain vacant. • Request for public comment. No public comment. Written by Dash Chrisner, On Behalf of the Executive Secretary Additional information regarding the above listed actions is available by contacting the Planning Commission’s Executive Secretary at aaron.vera@troyny.gov. As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. Please give one-week advance notice for services needed. Page 1 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 20 October 2021 • SS motioned to approve Consent Agenda. SW seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion to approve Consent Agenda passed 5-0. Old Business PLPC 2021 0014 – King’s Landing II Federal Street and Fifth Avenue (101.38-9-7, 101.38-9-9, 101.38-9-10, 101.46-1-1, 101.46-1-2.1, and 101.46-1-3) Site Plan Review and SEQR Determination (Type I) BDC Holdings Inc. proposes to construct a new building with seven (7) levels on Federal Street and three-and-a-half (3½) levels on Fifth Avenue. The lower two (2) levels will be used for parking, retail, and office space. The upper five (5) levels will be occupied by sixty-two (62) apartment units. Cosmo Marfione, PE, Managing Partner at BDC Holdings Inc., will be speaking on behalf of the proposal. • Applicant requested for project to be tabled to the November 17th meeting. • AM motioned to table proposal to the November 17th meeting. SW seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for proposal to be tabled to the November 17th meeting passed 4-0. PLPC 2021 0033 – 494 River Street (101.30-7-22) Site Plan Review and SEQR Determination (Unlisted) The applicant, First Columbia LLC, proposes to utilize the site of a recently demolished church for a new five (5) story, 31,000 sq. ft. self-storage facility as part of the adjacent existing self-storage facility at 500 River Street. Chris Bette, P.E., Vice President of First Columbia LLC, will be speaking on behalf of the proposal. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. • Request for public comment. Public comment generally in favor/opposition/No public comment. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. • SW motioned for a Negative Declaration (SEQR). BH seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for a Negative Declaration (SEQR) passed 5-0. Page 2 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 20 October 2021 • SW motioned to close the public hearing. RY seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion to close the public hearing passed 5-0. • SW motioned to approve this site plan with the following conditions below. SS seconded. 1. Applicant must provide a merged parking plan. 2. Applicant must provide exterior materials approved by SHPO. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for conditional approval passed 5-0. PLPC 2021 0034 – The Bargain Block 545, 549 and 558 River Street (101.22-9-1, 101.22-5-7 THRU 8, and 101.22-10-1 THRU 2) Site Plan Review and SEQR Determination (Type I) The applicant, First Columbia LLC, proposes to construct a rock climbing gym on the south end of the Flanigan Square building, a 123-unit senior housing facility at 549 River Street, and a loading dock and entrance to the existing building at 558 River Street. Chris Bette, P.E., Vice President of First Columbia LLC, will be speaking on behalf of the proposal. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. • Request for public comment. Public comments generally in opposition. 1. Name: Drea Leanza Address: 2227 Fifth Avenue  Concerned about the grocery store component in project being so close to Capital Roots.  Claims that the rock climbing gym component is not appropriate with Senior Housing. 2. Name: Michael Della Rocco IV Address: 146 Second Street  Concerned about the grocery store component in project being so close to Capital Roots. 3. Name: Seth Cullen Address: 645 Stillwater, taught at Troy HS  Concerned about the grocery store component in project being so close to Capital Roots. 4. Name: Nancy Klepsch Address: 166 First Street  Encourages the Commission to consider the interests of Capital Roots more. 5. Name: Michele Bager Address: 19 Cheryl Court  Concerned about the grocery store component in project being so close to Capital Roots. 6. Name: Emily Menn Address: 122 First Street  In favor of having more than one non-profit grocery store near each other. 7. Name: Amy Klein Affiliation: CEO of Capital Roots  Concerned about safe delivery of goods via truck traffic into the grocery store.  Doesn’t believe aspects of this project are beneficial to the neighborhood.  Claims the grocery store tenant will sell sub-standard produce and products. 8. Name: Bryant Luizzi Address: 281 Grange Road, Brunswick  In favor of having more than one non-profit grocery store near each other. 9. Name: Matthew Schueler Address: unknown  Concerned about run-off and the Complete Streets portion of the application. 10. Name: John King Address: 161 Washington Street  Concerned about traffic flow around the project area.  In favor of the developer building a grocery store in this location if they wish. Page 3 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 20 October 2021 11. Name: Mark Byrant Affiliation: Delmar, Attorney for Capital Roots  Concerned about the grocery store component in project being so close to Capital Roots. 12. Name: Tara Quackenbush Address: 1 Levi Avenue  Concerned about information lacking in the Complete Streets portion of the application.  Concerned about the lack of green infrastructure in the project. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. • AM motioned to table proposal to the November 17th meeting. BH seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion to table proposal to the November 17th meeting passed 5-0. PLPC 2020 0050 – 561-565 Congress Street (101.80-2-44) Site Plan Review (SEQR – Unlisted) The applicant, Adam Wilke, proposes to revert ground floor storefronts into residential units, construct a ten (10) car parking lot and a landscaped courtyard with patio. As a result of the Congress Street Reconstruction Project, parking has been eliminated in front of this project making it an unsustainable location for businesses. The applicant is represented by Fred Ring, P.E. and Redmond Griffin, Atty. • Applicant requested for project to be tabled to the November 17th meeting. • AM motioned to table proposal indefinitely. SS seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion to table proposal indefinitely passed 5-0. PLPC 2021 0032 – 95 Hill Street (101.77-10-1) Change of Use and Site Plan Review – SEQR Type II The applicant, Command Developers Inc., is proposing to remove gasoline service from the site and maintain the commercial space within the structure. Removal of gasoline service will include the canopy, pumps, dispensers, and underground storage tanks. No changes to the store are proposed. The applicant is represented by Bill Hennessy, P.E., from Hennessy Engineering & Consulting. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. • Request for public comment. Public comments generally in favor. 1. Name: Daniel Sanders Address: Owner of apartments nearby on Adams Street  This project is a huge improvement to the area! • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. Page 4 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 20 October 2021 • SW motioned to approve this site plan with the following conditions below. SS seconded. 1. Right-of-way must be restored per the City Engineer’s recommendations. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for conditional approval passed 5-0. PLPC 2021 0044 – 2001 Fifth Avenue (101.45-2-1.2) Change of Use, Site Plan Review, and SEQR Determination (Unlisted) The applicant, 2001 Fifth Ave. LLC, is proposing to add a 2-story frame addition atop an existing 3-story steel frame with brick veneer office building. The building will contain forty-three (43) apartments with amenities and 3,500 sq. ft. of commercial space on the first floor. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. • Request for public comment. No public comment. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. • SW motioned for a Negative Declaration (SEQR). BH seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for a Negative Declaration (SEQR) passed 5-0. • SW motioned to approve this site plan with the following conditions below. SS seconded. 1. Primary exterior architectural materials must be provided for Planning Commission approval. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for conditional approval passed 5-0. New Business PLPC 2021 0052 – Carlyle Avenue (101.59-5-16) Subdivision Review and SEQR Determination (Unlisted) The applicant, Frederick Metzger, is proposing a subdivision of one existing vacant lot into two lots so that a single- family home can be built upon each lot in the near future. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. • Request for public comment. No public comment. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. Page 5 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 20 October 2021 • SW motioned for a Negative Declaration (SEQR). AM seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for a Negative Declaration (SEQR) passed 5-0. • SW motioned to approve this site plan with the following conditions below. SS seconded. 1. All necessary variances must be obtained from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for conditional approval passed 5-0. PLPC 2020 0073 – Taylor Apartments Building 1 – 125 River Street (100.68-1-1.1) Site Plan Amendment The applicant, Taylor I LLC, proposes to demolish both apartment buildings, Taylor 1 and 2, and construct a new 7- story, 153,375 sq. ft. mixed-use, mixed-income building in place of Taylor 1. Architectural plans support 140 residential units, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom apartments. All of these apartments are replacement affordable housing units reserved for current residents of the Taylor 3 and 4 apartment buildings. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. • Request for public comment. Public comment generally in opposition. 1. Name: Sandra Rouse Address: 159 First Street  Excited to see huge improvement in the area. Project is fabulous on a flat screen.  Disappointed in the increase in levels from five stories to seven stories. 2. Name: Sandy Daigler Address: 128 First Street  Claims a seven story building is out of scale with the neighborhood.  Difficult to socialize with neighbors living in a tower. 3. Name: John King Address: 161 Washington Street  Claims a seven story building is out of scale with the neighborhood.  Concerned about the potential increase to the parking demand in the project area. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. • The Commission will provide the applicant with a list of requested additional materials within one week. • RY motioned to table proposal to the November 17th meeting. SW seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion to table proposal to the November 17th meeting passed 4-0. Page 6 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 20 October 2021 PLPC 2021 0030 – 309 Eighth Street (101.30-10-12) Site Plan Review – SEQR Type II The applicant, Unity House of Troy Inc., is proposing a Change of Use from administrative use to a 6-bed Situational Crisis Center Residence that will provide residential services to adults experiencing acute symptoms of their mental illness. A Use Variance and Area Variance (parking) have previously been obtained. The applicant is represented by Sara Drury, EIT, of Chazen Engineering. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. • Request for public comment. Public comment generally in opposition. 1. Name: Emily Menn Address: 122 First Street  Claims Unity House is not being honest about the use and function of the building. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. • BH motioned for site plan approval. RY seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for site plan approval passed 3-1. • AM motioned to adjourn at 9:35 PM. SS seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion to adjourn meeting at 9:35 PM passed 5-0. Page 7 of 7