[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6674491,"mediaKeyId","2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b","parentId",2649321,"title","Board discusses large senior-affordable proposal at 275 Fifth Avenue, tables multiple-variance request for follow-up","audioSeconds",6383,"startMs",6392000,"endMs",8767,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b&start=6392&end=8","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b/thumbnail_6392000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6674491/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Board-discusses-large-senior-affordable-proposal-at-275-Fifth-Avenue-tables-multiple-variance-request-for-follow-up","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674491-7829e654e320a7a18d3552c0256eaf49/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155394&Signature=jx5Srh1buL-W46VfJDaHzChzbQCVxsZSLLZlid-RahlYaX-u7XPygiuZFBbyjaAsDSbxZQ1xgs6sPQyYKefKw3C94iuiZSAgzrXkeAb5Wx-BBepiSSl2rigkllkP8pbhepc~CCjKVUxs4QXKT1dnnO77T49Jh7ezDjtWiPE7zD2d7I4kSGLUD4oaKiMMbj1pvOhDqAc~y7t8SzDxvDXXoF1ZkNH3AaLcU3AgkhetwrzmnfiD5TPD8YesDd8c~MyR95ZbYb287H6mFeOjRUhuuHzsDj2MIjw-GExTPo0TzmFPbVmvQCJLKZA3JZ3TvElUXOyTtuGjYQ~5Qhl5E0MEoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Troy, NY","date","2025-02-13T17:08:26.46Z","article","Developers seeking to build a 73-unit senior-affordable building at the Fifth Avenue site spanning several parcels presented a complex proposal that would require multiple variances; the board tabled the application to allow the applicant to supply additional technical information and to let the planning board complete coordinated environmental review.

Samik Gupta of 5 Corners Development introduced the project and described partners Home Leasing, Abella Associates and Sowerton Regoso Architects. The team described the site as heavily constrained by steep slopes, shallow bedrock, contamination from long-standing industrial uses and existing ruined structures. \"The site has about 25 feet of grade change from east to west, as well as steep slopes of 25 up to 75% along the western part of the property,\" said Kelsey Carr of Abella Associates.

The proposed project is a five-story building with 73 units of senior affordable housing, 23 enclosed parking spaces on the ground floor plus seven exterior ADA/visitor spaces with electric-vehicle charging, streetscape improvements on Fifth Avenue and a compact building footprint to avoid costly bedrock excavation. Proposed variances include an increase from the allowed three stories to five (58.5 feet total height), a reduced parking-setback, ground-floor transparency exceptions, and front-door orientation that does not face the primary street.

Board members sought additional technical evidence about how the building would be supported over bedrock outcroppings and how much excavation or foundation work would be required. Members requested clarified elevation comparisons to nearby Mount Olympus and to show sightlines; one member asked the team to provide exact elevation differences between the proposed roof and the surrounding topography.

The board also discussed pedestrian safety at the proposed front parking area and urged the applicant to show precise sections showing curb, sidewalk and ramp transitions; staff and members were concerned about vehicle access directly across the sidewalk and preferred setback or design measures that would reduce hazard to pedestrians and senior residents.

The applicant confirmed the site requires substantial remediation; soils testing has found metals and arsenic consistent with historic industrial use, and the team said the site is likely to be a candidate for brownfields cleanup and state/EPA coordination.

Because the planning board is the lead agency for coordinated review and had not yet issued its SEQR determination, and because the board identified multiple outstanding questions (encroachment/clearance details for the proposed canopy and marquee-like elements, exact elevations, parking-section dimensions and alternate security/ventilation designs for the garage), the Zoning Board voted to table the application and asked the applicant to return with additional drawings and documentation at the next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Zoning Board of Appeals (February 5, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Developers seeking to build 73 senior-affordable apartments at a steep, contaminated Fifth Avenue site presented a plan that would require multiple zoning variances; after detailed technical questions the board tabled the application pending more engineering and planning details.","taxTitle","Troy, Rensselaer County, New York","taxId",66125,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6674500,"Board hears lengthy debate over proposed illuminated marquee for American Theatre; decision tabled",3124,2060000,5184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b&start=2060&end=5184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b/thumbnail_2060000.jpg","/articles/6674500/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Board-hears-lengthy-debate-over-proposed-illuminated-marquee-for-American-Theatre-decision-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674500-6c173eb4f1f97b44e8d2b26ee7dcf6f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155394&Signature=iXalwVdkzmmK3uBQu-4QkzPo5UY-KJgP6Qdn~KSdzLcmp0pd31WiNpXMxnpzw18X0Kn~4qbLZBVpdtBYPiqZ8k2BQbynlK1-ntPsnk1YlOYvQNiATx5ygWge9~noQ2bnCMkSWf63njigHFoTB6XHcfe5Pv92un-4ono2xAKbjGSa3yiTrh3JjWgNldNSJya-tkBgn6RPRWlC2aqOtCfGvoS3N44v6-AI7QS06APU8oBvn69mlASUFBCZ9MI4cK6BrF9vsywDTOoBK7VvoM0Q52oaYOV0xq66ME5TTNRNOCYxZb7oIrz17rt~zGd9NSXGUh2akt7KzDTB9P7UULgUyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Troy Zoning Board of Appeals held extensive discussion about a proposed restoration of the American Theatre marquee at River Street and whether the project's planned LED illumination and two poster-style display panels should be allowed in the downtown district.

Scott Townsend of SWBR, the project architect, said the rehabilitation is intended to restore the theater's historic marquee and that the design has secured approvals with state-level preservation authorities. \"We are restoring the marquee, and it's been approved by [State Historic Preservation Office] and the National Park Service,\" Townsend said. He and the applicant said the two recessed display panels on either side of the entrance would be static, LED-backlit poster displays that change infrequently and would not animate.

Board members pressed whether the two panels are EMCs under the zoning code; the code's EMC definition is broad and can encompass modern LED panels. Planning staff confirmed the planning commission previously approved a similar display but that prior approval had lapsed; the applicant said it intends to seek reapproval from planning. The board also discussed whether the project would set a precedent for illuminated signs in the downtown historic district.

Several members suggested any relief should be narrowly tailored and conditioned to the theater's unique historic circumstances, to avoid creating a precedent for other commercial properties. One board member asked that the planning board review and apply EMC standards for message duration, brightness and location; another suggested a condition requiring the applicant to dim or turn off lights if a verified nuisance occurs.

Public comment included support for the theater restoration but also reservations about using television-style panels on a historic marquee. A member of the public who identified herself as Samantha said she was \"very excited about the American Theatre Project\" but expressed \"discomfort about the thought of the marquee being TVs.\"

Because of unresolved questions — planning reapproval that had lapsed, a potential encroachment issue related to marquee clearance in the right-of-way and how the city code defines EMCs — the board voted to table the application to the next meeting and recommended the applicant coordinate with planning staff to secure any planning approvals and to clarify technical details for the board.","Troy's zoning board debated permitting LED illumination and two static poster-style LED panels for the restored American Theatre marquee, raising questions about EMC definitions, planning approval and encroachment; the board tabled the item for more information.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6674505,"Board approves parking-setback variance for Tap Inc. project at 230 Second Street with vehicle-length condition",1611,546000,2157000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b&start=546&end=2157","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b/thumbnail_546000.jpg","/articles/6674505/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Board-approves-parking-setback-variance-for-Tap-Inc-project-at-230-Second-Street-with-vehicle-length-condition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674505-afa4ba6827a3d36d9d0510a4924f9d8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155394&Signature=nNZ25tuhkLNYN9v-JCv64GqxNCkykcSHFaAZlgjqIdIT5K3fptoAlEUYGNWG4r4ZFB8StEBU0nZ90PjvtseV9v6zdZqCQU8JHVXjk-SibHBGUjwa4s70Yp6TNp1yMZy9386HajZAGI84Qb4eJilB4N7HELSqpQlQ9h8eM2mRbnZdaa5vM0prPj50~e93C0XGcLrFXRHE30uicTF0dko2I0tAwsKCNYtlYhyMir1K6y~qqynbFInKr3iWbdxWOOpe6bIG13h5skNxsYip0yqh3bQSqpYMq5qSuNWpjP~bc1PWVSCKoxzkqf2FFr4-pXMOi1kVgWM0xaNGHWR~Osigrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Troy Zoning Board of Appeals granted an area variance for 230 Second Street, allowing a reduced front setback for parking to support a new condominium project by Tap Inc.

Barb Nelson, director at Tap Inc., described the project as a new condominium complex with 27 newly constructed units plus one existing corner unit; the plan was revised since the applicant's last appearance to reduce unit count from 30 to 27 and to reconfigure vehicle turning and trash handling. \"The complex will have now the new construction will have 27 units,\" Nelson said during her presentation.

Nelson and the project engineer explained the revisions the board requested at an earlier hearing: the building footprint was moved back, a dedicated trash room added, and parking spaces lengthened. The applicant explained parking spaces will begin approximately 3.4 feet from the property line and that, to improve usability and safety, the condominium bylaws would limit vehicle length in those spaces.

Kenneth Goodin, the civil/site engineer, recommended a 17-foot maximum vehicle length as a reasonable limit to ensure turning radii and overhangs do not intrude on adjacent property. The board adopted a condition limiting parked vehicles to no longer than 17 feet (the applicant had proposed 16.7 feet; the engineer recommended 17 feet).

The board declared the proposal an unlisted SEQR action and issued a negative declaration. After discussion of alternatives the applicant had considered (angled parking, parallel parking and building cantilevers), a board member moved to approve the area variance for a 21-foot, 8-inch relief from the parking setback requirement, subject to the vehicle-length restriction. The board voted in favor and approved the variance with that condition.

Nelson said the project team had met with nearby residents, hosted two open information sessions and that feedback was generally positive; neighbors asked about parking and size. The applicant said the project team will continue coordination with the city and incorporate the agreed condition into the condominium bylaws.","The board approved an area variance that reduces the required parking front setback for a proposed condominium at 230 Second Street, conditioned on limiting on-site parking to vehicles no longer than 17 feet.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6674510,"Troy Zoning Board approves use variance to convert 253 Sixth Avenue to two-family",464,96000,560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b&start=96&end=560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b/thumbnail_96000.jpg","/articles/6674510/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Troy-Zoning-Board-approves-use-variance-to-convert-253-Sixth-Avenue-to-two-family","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674510-0471955c829bd5afe7112cca2ca804b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155394&Signature=VX9UlJ~1SVVXgfmuFlipg5wPg9pSmx6bL~OpZhZfOu4CRTzaMBzAVjpYy5IUpnTH1bfPohkM2gnyOdccHQg8ulv8PRTNzZuJHkOblbYtcSvc9CEjvMgeBTDuP7t21CMKNj7oxQD~h0lmdXp~PS6RKrVh9T5-avsk2LZOcgqztrbeDkJEy2SCYZzYdsKMcogtmFvCwNZ07MrLcuzsGZ6M06SD4mFhCiS2dq5~iq4wEXxAJMubKP5ZxS38~sMeyzPasQ3-hU49Umw16ZafCQBJ~wBKtLAhfU2ForgX25l1g5Z1SixCXQvW-sRlZvt833OYYpmbcFP-37uLX~6abZBE7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Troy Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve a use variance for 253 Sixth Avenue, allowing the property to be converted from a single-family residence to a two-family dwelling.

The applicant's representative, Anna Berry, told the board her client has contracted to buy the house and that the building already contains an \"in-law\" apartment with separate utilities, kitchens and back entrances. \"My name is Anna Berry. I represent HDT Estates, and my client is seeking a use variance, to convert 253 Sixth Avenue, which is currently a single family home to a 2 family home,\" Berry said during the meeting.

Board members first considered whether the project required a full environmental declaration. A motion was made and carried that the proposal is an unlisted action under the city's environmental review procedure and that, after review of the environmental assessment form submitted by the applicant, the board could issue a negative declaration finding no substantial adverse environmental impact.

In discussing the use-variance criteria, board members noted the property's interior layout and the applicant's prior renovation of nearby 239 Sixth Avenue, a two-family building. The board accepted the argument that, under current conditions, the owner could not achieve a reasonable rate of return if the property remained and was marketed strictly as a single-family rental.

The board then voted to approve the use variance. The board recorded no letters of opposition and no speakers from the public testified for or against the request at the meeting.

The applicant was told the variance would allow renovation and occupancy as a two-family home; the applicant said renovation would proceed promptly if approved.

The board closed the item and moved to the next agenda item.","The board granted a use variance for 253 Sixth Avenue, finding no significant environmental impact and concluding the structure's existing configuration supports conversion from a single-family house to a two-family dwelling.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6674496,"Board approves area variance allowing smaller average unit size for conversion of 39'—5 Congress Street",1335,5152000,6487000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b&start=5152&end=6487","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2649321-88ee60c89f08ab00c1e315f987d3482b/thumbnail_5152000.jpg","/articles/6674496/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Board-approves-area-variance-allowing-smaller-average-unit-size-for-conversion-of-395-Congress-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6674496-42bbeb05ad8c207308e2a94eebd5c847/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155394&Signature=JJIoPcXK1oFMqXTF86V2wkWogbP~7~5r4brkUL2clsDXrpo9kV4ml8slk~ZkeUGIjUTpJYwMS7BOJdUJKW8swz1we1AmVGysyS~D0XQFwV3L22bAlHDMfKjE6iOpbRBLdhQwoUq-asyYJXJ-uYebrw5GWCDqBLE7AISvdrb85aBgEakpsyuth7vgdCa6ZT8g1rENx4ZugBeXoTRl1o3LbV2HxGmqtIjH2EBDM84io-S41tS8BEOKxJm4nPCvBZS5xD7IvU9axPHBAYkbYn8G5~UpmmbHjOMr0sXYiiKsSOX4f-TA94LHTZwy1FY3IYlK01eCrVqio8t0yB5jYTXedA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Zoning Board approved an area-variance request for 39'\u00045 Congress Street that allows the average apartment size in the converted building to be smaller than the code-required 700 square feet.

Redburn Development's representative, Joseph Peranchero, and company president Elizabeth Young described the project as a conversion of the former Manning Hall dormitory (owned by Russell Sage College) into 71 market-rate apartments. The building's existing interior walls are thick concrete block and the upper floors have a dormitory layout; the applicant said combining rooms while preserving historic fabric and complying with historic tax-credit program restrictions makes it infeasible to meet the 700-square-foot average without extensive demolition.

Young said the project relies on historic tax credits and that the building's existing block walls and two atria constrain reconfiguration. \"In order to make this project financially even feasible, we are utilizing historic tax credits,\" Young said. She and Peranchero explained that combining two dorm rooms into one apartment preserves existing walls, limits demolition and keeps the project financially viable.

The planning board had reviewed and conditionally approved the project and issued a negative declaration on environmental review; the Zoning Board voted to grant the area-variance relief to permit an average unit size of roughly 518 square feet instead of 700.

The applicant said the apartments would be market-rate but not luxury tier; typical rents were discussed as roughly $900 to $1,300 depending on unit size. The building will be sprinklered and will include amenities on the ground floor. The project team indicated it intends to pursue IDA / PILOT tax-abatement assistance as part of financing; the applicants noted that the building is currently tax exempt under college ownership and will return to the tax rolls when redeveloped.

The board concluded the project met the variance standards in light of the building's physical constraints and the preservation goals underlying the conversion.","An area variance was approved to permit an average dwelling-unit size below the zoning code requirement so a former dormitory can be converted to 71 market-rate apartments; the applicant cited historic layout and thick block walls as constraints tied to use of historic tax credits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board discusses large senior-affordable proposal at 275 Fifth Avenue, tables multiple-variance request for follow-up

Board hears lengthy debate over proposed illuminated marquee for American Theatre; decision tabled

Board approves parking-setback variance for Tap Inc. project at 230 Second Street with vehicle-length condition

Troy Zoning Board approves use variance to convert 253 Sixth Avenue to two-family

Board approves area variance allowing smaller average unit size for conversion of 39'—5 Congress Street