Planning Commission

Wm. Patrick Madden Steven Strichman Mayor Commissioner of Planning Christopher Nolin 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, March 16th, 2022, in person and via Zoom conferencing, to act upon the following requests, referred by the Bureau of Code Enforcement of the City of Troy, for review and approval. 6:02 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), Steve Strichman (Commissioner of Planning), Eric Ferraro (Assistant Planner), Angelina Apindem (Planning Technician) Administrative Items Adoption of Meeting Minutes from February 16th by Resolution -February minutes previously not provided to Commissioners. To be addressed at April PC meeting. Consent PLPC 2022 0022 – 40 River Street (100.76-5-14, 100.76-5-15) [IND: Industrial] Change of Use (Vacant space to Restaurant) – SEQR (Type II) The applicant, Finn at 40 River Inc., on behalf of the owner, Kyle Engstrom, proposes to convert a vacant space in the Industrial corridor into a Restaurant. PLPC 2022 0021 –219 Fourth Street (101.69-10-12) [R-4: Urban Neighborhood Residential] Change of Use (vacant commercial space to coffee shop) – SEQR (Type II) The applicant, Hernan Lopez, on behalf of the owner, Clark House LLC, proposes to convert a vacant space previously used for professional purposes, into a coffee shop. PLPC 2022 0023– 23 Second Street (101.53-7-4) [B-4: Central Commercial] Change of Use (office to residential) – SEQR (Type II) The applicant, Craig Pollock (19 25 2nd Street LLC), is proposing to change the third and fourth floor office space into residential apartments. Interior renovations only. The applicant is represented by Daniel Sanders, R.A. of Harris A. Sanders, Architects, P. C. PLPC 2022 0015 – 41-43 Third Street – Trojan Hotel (101.53-8-5) [B-4: Central Commercial] Change of Use (vacant SRO units to apartments) – SEQR (Type II) The applicant, Neil Pelone Architecture PLLC, on behalf of the owner, Trojan Rising LLC, is proposing to install 28 apartments on the upper floors over 2 separate commercial spaces. PLPC 2022 0024 –251 River Street (101.45-5-4.2) [B-4: Central Commercial] Change of Use (vacant commercial space to Taproom) –SEQR (Type II) Written by Eric Ferraro, 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 4 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 16 March 2022 The applicant, Mean Max Brew Works, on behalf of owner, Judge Development Corp, is proposing to utilize empty commercial space to turn into a Taproom for locally made craft beverages. Interior renovations only. PLPC 2018 0003 –141 Congress St. (101.61-3-2) Site Plan Approval Extension, SEQR (Type II) City Station North, LLC is proposing to construct ±90,000 sq. ft. of residential, ±50,000 sq.ft. of commercial, and ±160 parking spaces in a MULTI Zone. The applicant is seeking a 6-month extension. PLPC 2022 0025 –120 Hoosick Street (101.31-10-3./3) [HCD: Hoosick Street Commerce] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Type II) The applicant, Bergmann Architects, Engineers & Planners, on behalf of owner, Starbucks, proposes a renovation of the existing store including a 270 SF addition, building envelope construction and related minor site improvements. • Request for public comment: No Public Comment • R.Y. Notes stipulations to 3 items on the agenda by DPU; A.V. confirms and suggests action to approve with stipulations. • • S.S. motions to approve Consent Agenda with Stipulations by DPU. B.H. 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 with stipulations by DPU for: 40 River St., 43 Third St., & 141 Congress St., passed 5-0. Old Business PLPC 2022 0011 – 487 Campbell Avenue (112.-4-12.114) [B-5: Highway Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Unlisted) The applicant, Nick Riggione, proposes to construct a new 3-story mixed-use building on this property. The first floor will be commercial space and the second and third floors will contain eight (8) apartment units. The applicant is represented by Derek Gribulis, RA, of Cotler Architecture. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. B.H. expresses concern for pedestrian walkability of the site; S.W. concurs. 2. S.S. expresses approval for site revisions; R.Y. agrees. • Request for public comment. Yes 1. Irene Sorriento, Councilwoman for the district (6), expressed concerns for project/building height/traffic; believes design is ‘out of character’ for the neighborhood. • Commissioner deliberation. 1. A.M. asks if applicant has applied for the heigh variance. 2. R.Y. inquires into roof design. 3. B.H. suggests to re-consider pedestrian safety; A.M. concurs. 4. A.M. suggests waiting until post ZBA meeting to see if some revisions can be made once that board has had a chance to review the heigh variance. 5. A.V. suggests waiting until a revised site plan is approved by ZBA to make a SEQR determination; A.M. concurs. 6. A.M. makes suggestion to adjourn to next PC meeting on 4/20/21. • Applicant response. 1. Applicant responds he is on ZBA April agenda. Page 2 of 4 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 16 March 2022 • B.H.. Motion to table item to next PC Meeting on 4/20/22. S.S. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion to adjourn to next PC Meeting on 4/20/22 passed 5-0. New Business PLPC 2022 0026 – 90 Ida Street (112.21-9-1.2) [R-4: Urban Neighborhood Residential, Medium to High Density] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Type II) The Applicant proposes to place a 550 sq. ft. metal prefab garage on existing vacant lot. • Applicant presentation. 1. Applicant states county/city assessors have updated parcel address to 94 Ida St. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. Questions arise as to setbacks from the Poestenkill stream slope/retainer walls. ▪ A.V. confirms no setback concerns 2. R.Y inquiries into siding and lighting and parcel details. 3. A.M. confirms permeability of ground will remain unchanged • Request for public comment. No public comment. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. 1. Corrugated metal: 2. No current lighting 3. Hopes to install minor light fixtures. • R.Y. Motions to Approve site plan. S.S. seconds. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for a Site Plan Approval passed 5-0. PLPC 2022 0027 – 1 Monument Square (101.53-1-1) [B-4: Central Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Type I) The Applicant is proposing to construct a mixed-use building, public plaza and public park area. The proposed structure will include 92 units (102,500 sq. ft.) of residential and commercial/retail uses as well as 2 underground parking levels totally 56,000 sq. ft. The applicant is represented by 1 Monument Sq. LLC • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. R.Y. “If I were there, I would be giving a standing ovation.”; implores applicants to utilize rooftop. Wonders about any covered outdoor spaces. 2. B.H. “Thrilled” 3. S.S. “You did it just right.” Page 3 of 4 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 16 March 2022 4. A.M. appreciates architectural evolution of bldgs in succession (S→N) but inquires into the 2 Story building at southern most end. • Request for public comment. Yes/No public comment. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. 1. Points out section of project that utilizes rooftop. 2. Applicants point out that since they don’t own adjacent bldg., consideration had to be made for snow load and removal of the other buildings onto the 2 story bldg. • S.S. makes a Motion for Planning Commission to declare intent to act as lead agency for SEQR. R.Y. Seconds. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for the Planning Commission to declare intent to act as lead agency for SEQR passed 5-0. 1. A.V. suggests involvement of 3rd party city designated engineer 2. A.B. advises a formal declaration of action if agreeable to commissioners. • A.M. makes a Motion to authorize City Engineer (A.V.) to involve a 3 rd party engineer to project for consultation. S.S. Seconds. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion for the authorization of City Engineer to involve a 3rd party engineer to the project for consultation passed 5-0. • A.M. makes a Motion to table item to May PC agenda. R.Y. Seconds. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Barbara Higbee X Anthony Mohen X • Motion table item to May PC agenda passed 5-0. A.M. motioned to adjourn at 7:29 PM. S.S. 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 7:29 PM passed 5-0. Page 4 of 4