Unity House presents revised plans for Earl Street kitchen training facility

The Troy Planning Board convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss several agenda items, with a primary focus on the proposed project at 185 Earl Street, presented by Greg O'Connor of Architecture Plus on behalf of Unity House. The project, initially approved in January 2024, aims to convert an abandoned two-unit residence into a teaching kitchen for skills training programs offered by Unity House.

O'Connor provided an update on the project, noting that the planning approval had lapsed while awaiting grant funding. He described the renovation of the existing 900-square-foot structure and a 500-square-foot addition, highlighting minimal updates to the site plan, including a new accessible ramp and revisions to the rear stairway.

A significant point of discussion was the request for a variance concerning off-site dumpsters. O'Connor explained that the current dumpsters used by Unity House, located across Pearl Street, would not increase in load due to the new kitchen operation. However, board members raised concerns about the potential increase in waste generated by the kitchen, questioning whether the existing dumpster capacity would suffice.

The board also discussed pedestrian safety, particularly the need for crosswalks to facilitate safe access for individuals traveling from nearby bus stops to the new kitchen facility. Members expressed the importance of marking pedestrian pathways, especially given the lack of sidewalks in the area. Suggestions included painting crosswalks and installing signage to alert both pedestrians and drivers.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of addressing pedestrian safety measures and the potential need for further evaluation of the variance request regarding dumpster placement. The board plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, ensuring that all safety and operational concerns are adequately addressed before moving forward with the project.