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, August 17th, 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. 6:03 pm – Meeting called to order Commissioners in Attendance James Rath (JR), William Comiskey (WC) Anthony Mohen (AM), Suzanne Spellen (SS), Roddy Yagan (RY), Sara Wengert (SW) Also, in Attendance Andy Brick (Planning and Zoning Attorney), Steve Strichman (Commissioner of Planning), Eric Ferraro (Assistant Planner), Aaron Vera (City Engineer/Executive Secretary) Administrative Items Adoption of Meeting Minutes from May 18th & June 15th by Resolution • S.S. Motions to: Adopt Meeting Minutes on 5/18/22 & 6/15/22. B.C. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X James Rath X Anthony Mohen X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Adopt meeting minutes from May 18th & June 15th passed 5-0. Consent PLPC 2022 0073 – 17 S. River Street (111.60-2-23) [IND: Industrial] Change of Use – SEQR (Type II) -The applicant, Daniel Killion, proposes to convert a vacant residential building into storage space for his business, Weathered Wood. Applicant is represented by Liza Rodriguez and Luke Korzenko PLPC 2021 0069 – 97 Fifth Avenue (90.46-2-1.1, 90.46-2-1.22, 90.46-2-3, 90.46-2-40.2) [B-2 Community Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (TYPE II) -The applicant, Unity House of Troy Inc., proposes a revision to the façade for a previously approved site plan. The design will allow for a more vandal-resistant building exterior & addresses the need to cover up residual cosmetic damage to the exposed brick masonry. 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 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 17 August 2022 PLPC 2022 0087 – 2600 Fifth Avenue (101.22-3-23) [B-5 Highway Commercial] Change of Use – SEQR (Type II) -The applicant, Redemption Church of the Christ of the Apostolic Faith, proposes to convert a commercial space into a bakery. No additional site enhancements or exterior upgrades beyond wall mounted signage are proposed. -97 Fifth Ave is removed from the Consent agenda due to a conflict of interest by Commissioner Wengert 6:05 PM--Chairman Anthony Mohen arrives • S.S. Motions to: Approve Consent Agenda A.M. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Approve Consent Agenda passed 6-0. Old Business PLPC 2021 0069 – 97 Fifth Avenue (90.46-2-1.1, 90.46-2-1.22, 90.46-2-3, 90.46-2-40.2) [B-2 Community Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (TYPE II) -The applicant, Unity House of Troy Inc., proposes a revision to the façade for a previously approved site plan. The design will allow for a more vandal-resistant building exterior & addresses the need to cover up residual cosmetic damage to the exposed brick masonry. • R.Y. Motion to Approve Site Plan change _._. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to Approve Site Plan Change passed 5-0. A.V. notes last item on agenda is actually Old Business PLPC 2022 0083 – Kings Landing II (101.38-9-7, 101.38-9-9, 101.38-9-10, 101.46-1-1, 101.46-1-2.1 & 3) [B-4 Central Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Type I) -The applicant, BDC Holdings Inc., proposes to construct a 5-story, 18,206 sq. ft. building and the rehabilitation of 3 existing residential buildings. The 1st floor [of new building] is proposed to be parking, upper 4 floors would consist of 42 apartment units. Restored residential buildings would provide an additional 10 apt. units. A total of 54 parking stalls will be provided for residents. 38 additional parking spaces would be provided for upon construction of new lot down the street. Page 2 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 17 August 2022 • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. S.S., S.W., J.R., R.Y.Comment on general architectural design details.  This is a great improvement and glad to incorporate existing buildings. 2. R.Y. Suggests utilizing the roof space. 3. S.S., J.R., R.Y., S.W.- Address the corner space at 5th Ave. and Federal St. 4. J.R.-Concern with turning radius and pedestrian safety concerns. 5. J.R.-The buffer between site & adjacent church. 6. General conversation by all Commissioners of off-sight lot at Jacob and 5th. 7. R.Y. Seeks clarification from A.B, between this as a new submission and/or vs old; what was previous action?  A.B. clarifies history of previous actions related to this project. • A.B. disagrees with this as a new project. Is a revision. 8. A.V.-SHPO does not have jurisdiction when a project does not require a state permit. This project does not require any state permitting. 9. R.Y., S.W., B.C.- Addresses parking concerns/proposal of parking at 5th and Jacob. Wants to see more on layout for retail space/amenities for 1st floor;  also has questions on unit designs. Also wants a mechanism for consistency in construction to ensure plans are built to [approved] specs. 10. B.C. Addresses parking concerns/comments + rooftop. Wants to hear what can be done to address public concerns of dormitory spaces vs. apts. 11. A.M., A.V.- Point out and address limits to PC authority.  A.B. clarifies definition of “dormitory” 12. A.M. Wants to clarify “revision” vs. “new” application + history of actions taken to date. 13. A.B. PC does not need to declare themselves as lead agency again. 14. A.M-Addresses parking as it pertains to SEQR review 15. J.R. -Columbus Square consideration 16. R.Y.-Suggestion for parking at O’Neil Apartments • Request for public comment. 1. Drea Leanza-2227 Fifth Avenue:  NPN member; appreciates improvements but only addressed some of previous concerns  Sites unresolved issues: 2. Paul Sacco-2148 Fifth Avenue:  Addresses corner space at 5th and Federal. + Turning radius: Pedestrian safety 3. Barb Nelson-210 River Street:  Commends the preservation of 3 existing buildings. Addresses consideration of parking lots. Want SHPO & HRC review for recommendations and construction accountability. 4. Mark Benard-2168 5th Avenue:  Seconds B. Nelson’s concerns for accountability. 5. Ronnye Shamam-  Construction accountability. Questions on green space. 6. Gema Lora-2245 Old Sixth Avenue  Addresses parking concerns 7. Joe Fama-150 Second Avenue  NPN member. Notes details of plans that are improved. Sites areas of concern. 8. Silva Benard-2100 Block of 5th Avenue  Questions on what is to remain vs demo. Comments on parking lot proposal • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. 1. Responds to proposed parking at Jacob and 5th. 2. Responds to atrium space. 3. Responds to site designs/layouts for mechanicals 4. Responds to rooftop considerations 5. Responds to corner of Federal and Fifth + turning Radius Page 3 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 17 August 2022 6. What applicant plans to do for next meeting. • A.M. Motion to: Table to September PC Agenda R.Y. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Table to September PC Agenda passed 6-0. New Business PLPC 2022 0076 – 898 Second Ave (70.80-2-7) [B-3 Shopping Center Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Unlisted) -The applicant, Troy Realty Partners, LLC, proposes to construct a Well Now, a non-intensive medical facility with associated parking and improved landscaping. The applicant is represented by Jared George. • Applicant presentation. By Nick Costa. Applicant to build a 3500 Sq. Ft. Medical facility • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. R.Y.- Questions on lighting, parking, buildings size. 2. S.S.- Wondering about flood zone. 3. A.V.- Addresses flood zone consideration 4. J.R. - Concern—Parcel access, curb cuts, wants sidewalks, walkways, bike racks & landscaping. 5. J.R., A.M., J.R., R.Y. A.V.– Addresses TFD concerns. 6. S.S.- Architectural detail inquiry 7. S.W. Clarification on use and site features and lot line adjustments. R.Y. seconds. • Request for public comment. 1. TFD—Eric McMahon  Expresses concerns with project. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. 1. Addresses lighting, drainage, grading, green space, parking, Flood zone details, site features, building features and size, bike rack options, tenancy, lot line adjustments • R.Y. Motion to have PC Declare itself as Lead Agency A.M. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to have PC Declare itself as Lead Agency passed 6-0. Page 4 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 17 August 2022 • A.M. Motion to: Adjourn to September 21st _._. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Adjourn to September 21st passed 6-0. PLPC 2022 0081 – 885 Fifth Avenue (80.25-6-2) [B-3 Shopping Center] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Unlisted) -The applicant, Casa Blanca Realty, proposes to repair existing building and make site upgrades and enhancements to parking, curbing, lawn, and sidewalk. The proposal calls for the expansion of convenience sales and the discontinuance of vehicle repair. A new lit up canopy will be erected over restored gas pumps. The applicant is represented by Liza Rodriguez of TAP. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. J.R. inquires after egresses, curb cuts & green spaces  Suggests removing Drive-thru. 2. A.V. talks about future development of Northern Dr. 3. A.V. -Need site plan over land survey and doesn’t advise starting any activity until PC approval • Request for public comment. No public comment • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. 1. Addresses site details, green space and closing some driveways while putting in a drive thru. • A.M. Motion to: Declare PC as Lead Agency R.Y. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Declare PC as Lead Agency passed 6-0. • A.M. Motion to: Table to September 21st Agenda R.Y. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to Table to September 21 Agenda passed 6-0. st Page 5 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 17 August 2022 PLPC 2022 0075 – Emma Willard School – 285 Pawling Avenue (112.42-4-1) [MULTI] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Unlisted) -The applicant seeks utilize 2.7 of the 137 acres of this property to construct a new arts wing in the center of the school campus. The new wing is of contemporary [green] design and will incorporate a 110-seat theater and connects to adjacent buildings via subterranean corridors. The applicant is represented by AnnBeha Architects. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. Consensus of approval by commissioners. 2. R.Y. questions about materials used and site designs 3. Addressing staff comments about building egress and Fire land access • Request for public comment. No public comment • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. 1. Responds to materials used and features of site plan 2. Engaged in ongoing conversation with TFD and Building Dept. regarding fire lanes and building access points. • S.S. Motion to: Declare PC as Lead Agency J.R. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Declare PC as Lead Agency_ passed 6-0. • R.Y. Motion to: Issue a negative Declaration for SEQR review A.M. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Issue a Negative declaration for SEQR review passed 6-0. • J.R. Motion to: Approve Site Plan S.S. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Approve Site Plan passed 6-0. Page 6 of 7 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 17 August 2022 PLPC 2022 0080 – 561-565 Congress Street (101.80-2-44) [B-2 Community Commercial] Site Plan Review/Change of Use – SEQR (unlisted) -The applicant, A&M1 Properties, LLC, proposes to revert ground floor store fronts into residential units, provide greenspace landscaping and construct a courtyard patio. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. J.R. questions use of certain building materials pertaining to facade; generally, approves. 2. S.S. has questions regarding window placements and size 3. S.W. addresses concern for light and ventilation on east side of property. 4. General inquiry into the proposed courtyard. • Request for public comment. No comment • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. 1. Will ensure all improvements are sanctioned by Building and codes. May change floor plans to accommodate. 2. Talks about use of courtyard • A.M. Motion to: Approve site plan with incorporated changes B.C. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X • Motion to: Approve site plan with incorporated changes passed 6-0. J.R. Motioned to: Adjourn at 10:02 PM. A.M. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne Spellen X Anthony Mohen X James Rath X William Comiskey X Motion to: Adjourn meeting at 10:02 passed 6-0. Page 7 of 7