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 The Planning Commission of the City of Troy, New York, conducted a public meeting at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 19th, 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), 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 August 17th & September 21st, 2022, by Resolution: • S.S. Motions to: Adopt Meeting Minutes from 08/17/2022 & 9/21/22. A.M. 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 August 17th & September 21st, 2022. passed 5-0. 6:05Commissioner Anthony Mohen arrives Consent PLPC 2022 0093 –868 Eighth Avenue (80.25-10-7) [R-1 Single Family Residential Detached] Site Plan Review –SEQR (Type II) -The applicant, Bob and Diane Speece, are proposing to install a driveway in front of their home due to parking constraints. PLPC 2022 0094 –315 2nd Avenue (90.22-1-1) [B-2 Community Commercial] Change of Use Review –SEQR (Type II) -The applicant, Lansingburgh Nursery & Pre-School, wishes to convert former doctors’ office to a daycare for up to 44 children, aged infancy-5 years old while maintaining current practice on south side of building. Existing footprint to remain as is with minor site improvements. *Re-designated to “New Business” 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 5 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 PLPC 2022 0043 – 37 First Street (100.60-4-4) [B-4: Central Commercial] Site Plan Review – SEQR (Type II) The applicant, Russell & Joanne Brooks, with ZBA and Historic Review approval, are proposing the construction of a 30x24 ft, 2 story garage in the historic district. The applicant is seeking a 6-month extension on their approvals. PLPC 2022 0096 –79 11th Street (101.47-3-9) [R-2 Two Family Residential] Site Plan Review –SEQR (Type II) -The applicant, Redburn Development, proposes to construct a parking lot to provide ancillary parking for their tenants next door at 81 11th Street. *Re-designated to “New Business” • A.M. Motions to: Approve Consent Agenda 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 6-0. 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, is returning to proposes the construction of a new 3-story residential building on this property. The proposal calls for 12, 2-bedroom apartments with 28 parking spaces provided on site. The applicant is represented by Derek Gribulis, RA, of Cotler Architecture. • Applicant presentation. By Derek Gribulis & Nick Riggione • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. Comments regarding exterior/facade of building, pedestrian safety, and landscaping. • Request for public comment. No public comment. • Commissioner deliberation: Desire to see more plantings, trees and landscaping. 1. A.B. “You can make a determination that this amendment falls within the thresholds of what you’ve already approved, which wouldn’t require an additional negative declaration [of SEQR].” • Applicant response. Agreeable to site plan edits/suggestions • R.Y. Motions: That the current presentation and applicant’s proposal does not substantively change PC’s previous Negative Declaration on SEQR action, and that the previous declaration still stands. 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 Page 2 of 5 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 Motions: That the current presentation and applicant’s proposal does not substantively change PC’s previous Negative Declaration on SEQR action, and that the previous declaration still stands. passed 6-0. • R.Y. Motions to: Approve the amendment to the site plan with the condition of a planting bed along the southern end of the green space along Campbell Ave and a landscaping plan approved by City Staff. 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 Motions: Motions to: Approve the amendment to the site plan with the condition of a planting bed along the southern end of the green space along Campbell Ave and a landscaping plan approved by City Staff.. passed 6-0. 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 returning to propose the redevelopment of 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: Brian Osterhout/Environmental Design Partnership: “just an update”. 1. Hoping to address:  Retail/activation along Broadway  Easement along northern portion of the project  Architectural elements • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. Requests more information about new design changes which called for a reconfiguration of space. Exterior façade inquiries. 2. J.R. - Request for more information pertaining to the 4th street side of project & street trees. 3. S.W. Requests info about exterior materials; has concerns for the site. Wants to see grade of material be suitable for its use. Concerns about HRC’s comments. Reluctant to try to use a historical color palate on a building that’s not historical in its design. 4. A.V. - The HRC; provides recommendations to PC and PC makes the ultimate determination. [In other words] They are not a decision-making body. 5. R.Y. Rooftop features? Connect history-future • Request for public comment: Yes 1. Jim De Seve-Comments on design, materials & windows. Supports project with better design • Commissioner deliberation: 1. S.W.- Prefers masonry building, but also states: “Let’s not use less expensive, more contemporary material to simulate masonry. Let’s use those materials to their greatest potential to make something interesting and different.” 2. Discussion of building prominence & designs • Applicant response. “[I] can also tell you that this is a very tricky project for the financials to work on. It’s a complicated building given the center space that the city owns and other competing factors, so I would just caution everyone to just be of the mindset that also, while it is a prominent area of Troy, there is a certain cost at which I can guarantee that the numbers won’t work for the applicant. And certainly, that what we’re staring at right now is nowhere near what we’re even proposing in this iteration in terms of; it’s kind of a trade-off.” *No motion is made due to the applicant being within 30 days of previous month’s declaration. Page 3 of 5 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 PLPC 2022 0094 –315 2nd Avenue (90.22-1-1) [B-2 Community Commercial] Change of Use Review –SEQR (Type II) -The applicant, Lansingburgh Nursery & Pre-School, wishes to convert former doctors’ office to a daycare for up to 44 children, aged infancy-5 years old while maintaining current practice on south side of building. Existing footprint to remain as is with minor site improvements. • Applicant presentation. Presentation by Tykarah Pitt • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. General site plan questions • Request for public comment: No public comment • Commissioner deliberation. 1. Brings up discussion around potential easement on the west side of property along bank of Hudson River due to the parking lot being a part of 107th Street; Any action taken city requests a condition be provided for to resolve this issue in the future. • Applicant response. 1. Responds to general site plan inquiries. • R.Y. Motion to: Approve ‘Change of Use’ subject to final approval from the Corporation Counsel pertaining to any easements necessary to protect the public’s interest in the City Right of Way. 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 ‘Change of Use’ subject to final approval from the Corporation Counsel pertaining to any easements necessary to protect the public’s interest in the City Right of Way. passed 6-0. PLPC 2022 0096 –79 11th Street (101.47-3-9) [R-2 Two Family Residential] Site Plan Review –SEQR (Type II) -The applicant, Redburn Development, proposes to construct a parking lot to provide ancillary parking for their tenants next door at 81 11th Street. • Applicant presentation. Presentation by Joe Pernicio • Commissioner comments and questions to applicant. 1. General questions regarding site plan, previous use of parcel, fencing, landscaping, pedestrian pathways, accessibility. Use of remaining areas of parcel in question. 2. Asks applicant to provide a walkable easement along the western edge of the building for pedestrians 3. Lighting • Request for public comment: No public comment. • Commissioner deliberation. 1. Role of Engineering Department in reviewing changes to site plans • Applicant response. 1. Amenable to suggested uses of the parcel, including pathways and parking suggestions. 2. Building mounted lighting currently. If they need to, they can add a light pole in the proposed parking lot. Page 4 of 5 City of Troy Meeting Minutes (DRAFT) Planning Commission 21 September 2022 • A.M. Motion to: Table item until November 16th Planning meeting 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: Table item until November 16th Planning meeting: passed 6-0. S.S. motioned to: Adjourn meeting at 7:32 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 7:32 passed 6-0. Page 5 of 5