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, September 21st 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), 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 A.M Motions to Elect a new Chairman of the Planning Commission for the next year. Roddy Sara Suzanne James Anthony William Abstain Recused Absent Yagan Wengert Spellen Rath Mohen Comiskey Roddy Yagan X Sara Wengert X Suzanne X Spellen James Rath X Anthony X Mohen William X Comiskey Motion to: To Elect Commissioner Rody Yagan to Chairman of the Planning Commission passed: 4-0 Adoption of Meeting Minutes from August 17th, 2022 by Resolution : Postponed to October • . Motions to Adopt Meeting Minutes on 08/17/2022. . . seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan Sara Wengert Suzanne Spellen James Rath Anthony Mohen William Comiskey • Motion to Adopt meeting minutes from August 17th, 2022 passed - . Continue to Page 2 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 8 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 Consent PLPC 2022 0092–102 Fourth Street (101.53-15-25) [B-4 Central Commercial] Site Plan Review –SEQR (Type II) -The applicant proposes to renovate structure and construct a 367 square foot addition to 3rd floor for additional residential units and install a sprinkler system. 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) -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. The applicant is seeking a 6-month extension on their project approvals. PLPC 2022 0053 – 806-814 River Street (90.62-3-39, 90.62-3-41, 90.62-3-42, 90.62-3-43) Site Plan Review, Subdivision/Lot Line Adjustment, Change of Use – SEQR (unlisted) -The Applicant, Habitat for Humanity, with permission from the owners, The Troy Community Land Bank & Vesta Community Housing Dev. Board, Inc., is returning to modify their previously approved site plan, which now calls for the subdivision of 4 vacant lots into 4 new lots in preparation for 4, 2-story, wood framed, single family semi- attached row homes. PLPC 2021 0067 – 26 New Turnpike Road (70.81-2-17) [B-3 Shopping Center Commercial] Site Plan Review –SEQR (Unlisted) -The Applicant, National Grid, is returning to implement a previously approved plan that was conditioned upon a lighting and landscaping plan, to develop site. Additional upgrades will be made for fencing, new foundations, expansion of existing driveway and refurbishment of existing walking trail, as was previously noted in their November 2021 PC presentation. -806-814 River Street is provided an additional vote with Commissioner Spellen removed due to a conflict of interest by Commissioner Spellen • R.Y. Motions to: Approve Consent Agenda absent 806-814 River Street. 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 Consent Agenda. passed 5-0. PLPC 2022 0053 – 806-814 River Street (90.62-3-39, 90.62-3-41, 90.62-3-42, 90.62-3-43) Site Plan Review, Subdivision/Lot Line Adjustment, Change of Use – SEQR (unlisted) -The Applicant, Habitat for Humanity, with permission from the owners, The Troy Community Land Bank & Vesta Community Housing Dev. Board, Inc., is returning to modify their previously approved site plan, which now calls for the subdivision of 4 vacant lots into 4 new lots in preparation for 4, 2-story, wood framed, single family semi- attached row homes. Page 2 of 8 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 • J.R. Motions to: Approve 806-814 River Street via the 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 4-0. Old Business PLPC 2022 0001 – 520 Fifth Avenue (80.64-6-19) [B-2 Community Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (unlisted) -The applicant, Joseph Mouawad, proposes to utilize [vacant] site for used car sales and minor automobile repair work. No additions or changes to existing structure are being proposed. Improvements made to landscaping, signage, paving and fencing. • Applicant presentation. • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. • Request for public comment. • Commissioner deliberation. • Applicant response. • R.Y. Motion to Approve Site Plan change _._. seconded. Absent Yes No Abstain Recused Roddy Yagan Sara Wengert Suzanne Spellen Anthony Mohen James Rath William Comiskey • Motion to ______________________________________________ passed -. 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, Jared George & Thomas Burke • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. R.Y. inquiries into TFD concerns 2. J.R.-Sidewalks • Request for public comment. 1. Barb Nelson-TAP-supports sidewalks 2. Eric Rischer-President of Troy Uniform Firefighter Association-safety concerns • Commissioner deliberation. 1. Sidewalks discussion Page 3 of 8 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 2. A.V. – Addresses TFD concerns with recommended actions: Written recommendation to City Council to fund a Generic Impact Statement (GIS). • Applicant response. 1. Addresses Sidewalk concerns. 2. Addresses TFD concerns • B.C. Motion to: Issue a negative declaration for SEQR review: 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: Issue a negative declaration for SEQR review. passed 5-0. • J.R. Motion to Approve Site Plan with the following stipulations: R.Y. seconded. 1. To install a curb ramp going in both directions a. Towards and across 126th Street b. Towards and across 2nd avenue 2. Provide a payment of $10,000 in lieu of installing sidewalks along parcel on north side of 126th Street 3. Both stipulations to be reviewed by City Engineer prior to obtaining a building permit for the main structure. 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 the above sited stipulations: passed 5-0. 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 TAP. • Applicant presentation. By Liza Rodriguez • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. R.Y.-Drive-thru and site features/Curb cuts 2. A.V.-Curb cuts/ramps discussion; Northern Drive considerations  Suggestion for trench drains to this filling station 3. J.R.-Sidewalks + Plantings • Request for public comment. Yes 1. Nokefe Vais-884 2nd Ave. Citgo Gas Station & Sunny of Sunny convenience Store-Oppose project 2. Courtney-Local resident- Supports project Page 4 of 8 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 • Commissioner deliberation. 1. Steve Strichman addresses zoning/zoning code (ref: https://www.recode-troy.com/ ) 2. Andy Brick provides clarification • Applicant response. 1. Agreeable to commissioner suggestions • A.M. Motion to: Issue a negative declaration for SEQR review 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: Issue a negative declaration for SEQR review. passed 5-0. • J.R. Motion to: Approve Site Plan with the following stipulations: R.Y. seconded. 1. To install a sidewalk along 125th St. with minimal width of 5 feet. 2. Provide ADA compliant curb ramps on both corners:  New Turnpike and 125th Street  125th Street and Fifth Avenue 3. Plant at least 3 deciduous trees in the lawn area not smaller than 4-5 ft at the time of planting and ensure growth has not failed 1 year from time of planting lest new trees are provided for 4. All 3 stipulations are identified on a new/updated site plan and reviewed by city staff before receiving a building permit. 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 the above sited stipulations: passed 5-0. 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., is proposing the construction of a 5-story, 18,206 sq. ft. building and the rehabilitation of 3 existing residential buildings with modifications based on suggestions from previous meetings. 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. • Applicant presentation. By Cosmo Carfone, Nick Costa & George Olsen • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. R.Y., J.R., S.S.--O’Neil Apartments; Corner design; façade and architectural details. Site details; Federal Street revitalization; 5th Ave turning radius, activating roof space. 2. R.Y., J.R., B.C.- Attempt to address Mr. Fama’s concerns; B.C.-What is a “market rate apt” vs “student apt”? 3. A.V.& A.B.- Clarify purview of PC; “absolutely no jurisdiction on the interior design of the building. The Use has been determined allowable.” 4. J.R.-Columbus square considerations to applicant. • Request for public comment. 1. Liza Rodriguez-TAP- Building materials to façade. Page 5 of 8 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 2. Drea Lianza-NPN- Remains in opposition. Details points of concern. 3. Barb Nelson-TAP- Suggests site and street improvements, and means of alleviating citizen concerns 4. Joe Fama-NPN remains in opposition; Sites concerns for unit design/construction & who units are rented to. Disagrees with purview of Planning Commission. Agrees that proposal is much improved. 5. Paul Sacco-Resident-façade materials; make exterior requirements binding. Rents: tax abatements. • Commissioner deliberation. 1. R.Y.- Addressing Construction oversight. 2. A.B.-Jurisdiction of Building dept as it pertains to oversight/process and procedures of project: state building codes. Conditions of what results from violations/deviations of construction practices. 3. A.V.- Project history; Columbus squareprefer city to manage that project. 4. Steve Strichman- Addresses role of IDA 5. A.M., S.S.-Wants to see material samples; A.V.-explains precedent for this. Suggests an Architectural Sub-Committee, w/option to defer to  Suzanne Spellen & Anthony Mohen nominated. • Applicant response. 1. Will take into consideration of all commissioner and public comments/criticisms. 2. To Columbus SquareIsn’t for expensing temporary solutions. • R.Y. Motion to: Issue a negative declaration for SEQR review 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: Make a negative declaration for SEQR review passed 5-0 . • A.M. Motion to: Approve Site Plan with the following stipulations J.R. seconded. 1. Exterior materials and minor architectural modifications will be submitted to the Architectural Sub-Committee for review and approval 2. Reduce the turning radius at the northwest corner of Federal and Fifth Avenue to the satisfaction of the City Engineer’s Office. 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 the following stipulations passed 5-0. Page 6 of 8 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 New Business PLPC 2022 0078 – Troy Atrium/0 Fourth Street (101.53-4-2.1) [B-4 Central Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Type 1) -The applicant, Bryce Properties, LLC, is proposing to redevelop the southern portion of the Troy Atrium into a 26,910 sq. ft., 5 story building with exterior parking, 1st floor interior parking and 100 multi-family residential units above. The applicant is represented by Environmental Design Partnership, LLP • Applicant presentation. By: Brian Osterhout, Ken Syvertsen, Michael Gussewic • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. R.Y., J.R.- Questions about exterior architectural details; seconds comments made by J.R. regarding ground floor/parking. 2. A.V.- Questions about access to property/utility/mechanicals; City/developer capabilities as it pertains to city owned sections. 3. A.V., J.R.-HRC consideration 4. J.R., B.C.- talks about consideration and details of “parking”: use of 1st floor. A.M. seconds 5. S.S.- No [design] relation to surrounding building; addresses architectural details 6. R.Y.-“What are you doing with the roof space?” 7. General inquiry into the timeline of the project. /A.V. addresses roles of City Council • Request for public comment. No public comment. • Commissioner deliberation. 1. A.B. HRC relevancy 2. Steven Strichman- Timelines of agencies to weigh in on project before next PC appearance. • Applicant response. 1. Willing to work with City staff to determine extents of collaboration of private and public portions of parcel. 2. Project took on previous recommendations of PC and public 3. Looked into underground parking. Not economically viable. 4. Currently no plans for rooftop. 5. Timeline points • R.Y. Motion to: Issue intent to declare PC 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: Issue intent to declare PC as lead agency passed 5-0. • J.R. Motion to: Table agenda item to the October 19th PC meeting 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: Table agenda item to the October 19th PC meeting B.C. passed 5-0. Page 7 of 8 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 J.R. motioned to: Adjourn meeting at 9:25 PM. 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 adjourn meeting at 9:25 passed 6-0. Page 8 of 8