[{"_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",6598855,"mediaKeyId","3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea","parentId",3023271,"title","Votes at a glance: Planning commission minutes, extensions, SEQR classifications and permit actions","audioSeconds",324,"startMs",72000,"endMs",396000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea&start=72&end=396","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea/thumbnail_72000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598855/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-Planning-commission-minutes-extensions-SEQR-classifications-and-permit-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598855-6a0cea689d036940c91ee60bfba09c3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770956493&Signature=ACmjahcSgj~HhOOrO9EkaasKO2wPncdqXCuZpxBiBWBHDz-iJtzcrDqvS-Z0tBGDEHIARAzx4xtNmRirgVXhVE4y7WXgQQEIrdQkKRIeXoKsnNfis7PhlO6ktCHMFyKQVLEnJXMnU9ZnVoo9lyMcZSjYq1XEejLFCEhkgUjWzXtZ6g-mfQw8z0teIRfq6S8C~OJz21PSaUXQWiqJ9KdMPfSZkAR9dJ0HbWQ91k7uptJ5m8XBQqV7W5Wz0z74DSPuQC3TrsGAqGver0TSsIlRlNit4y7ARsomRz-tngYg08qMeVF-UZWR9ru9ZS7zDnBTfAFY45kpWwWUo~eRf~ucjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Troy, NY","date","2025-04-16T18:00:58.747Z","article","At its meeting Wednesday the Troy Planning Commission took the following procedural and action votes:

- Adoption of minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the March 18 meeting by voice vote.

- Extension of review period, 604 Seventh Avenue (project 2025…): The commission granted the applicant's request to extend the review/hearing date to the June 17 meeting. Motion carried by voice vote.

- Alias Coffee (20250012219, Fourth Street): The commission approved a special use permit for operation as an event/assembly space for a one‑year term; the applicant must return for renewal or consideration of permanent status.

- Unity House (185 Earl Street, 20230045185): The commission classified the project as a Type 2 action and required the applicant to seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for off‑site dumpsters. If the ZBA grants the variance, the applicant must return with a pedestrian crosswalk plan.

- Posting Hill Place (20250019244246 First Street): The commission tabled the project and deferred declaring SEQR lead agency until the applicant supplies updated DEC Brownfield Cleanup Program documentation and responses to fire‑department concerns.

- Emma Willard School faculty housing (Pauling Avenue): The commission classified that project as an unlisted SEQR action and will continue review. The applicant indicated demolition and asbestos abatement would be handled per demolition-permit process.

- MiSTUDIO / 80 Fourth Street: The commission classified the project as an unlisted SEQR action.

- Adjournment: The commission voted to adjourn at the close of business.

Provenance: These procedural motions and votes appear throughout the transcript: minutes adoption at 01:20–01:45, the 604 Seventh Avenue extension at 06:12–06:36 (motion and vote), Alias Coffee permit at 24:52–24:59, Unity House motions at 40:01–40:45 and 40:56–41:24, Posting Hill Place tabling motion at 52:48–52:54, Emma Willard classification at 66:67–66:82 (classification motion) and MiSTUDIO classification at 92:11–92:18 (classification motion).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 2025 Planning Board Hearing/meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of actions taken by the Troy Planning Commission on procedural and project items, including minutes approval, an extension request, special‑use and SEQR classifications.","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},6598860,"National Grid and Troy LDC present concept for U‑TEN energy center at 249 River Street; board flags view‑corridor and zoning conflicts",1625,6824000,8449000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea&start=6824&end=8449","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea/thumbnail_6824000.jpg","/articles/6598860/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/National-Grid-and-Troy-LDC-present-concept-for-UTEN-energy-center-at-249-River-Street-board-flags-viewcorridor-and-zoning-conflicts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598860-5e629890d001babbc4c618a43decad28/orig.mp4?Expires=1770956493&Signature=gzBiS~hzuJ5pdJKn5vGkexYwo8B6oajwHbN787njL2Y3~Dx3f4HO1twvlaBjEJ2JZKr6UiiqByZX4MobAH355-jjsg2SeB4j~mbtjZOYnuAMtGxoZhsKkU1Eo1aZD~oDdGcjwUnVEV9-pVjJXUVN95rpX1Px7TNwFixIVrClv8Bb--e4cNwHPUOsMYZuR-iLt~qcj9K8FxUZAEIBaol0zdyUnMMjZ120ZGXlCssR2BtyZJuGzZrcAYpW139mpISEjfYdseGegS8CrW44xQ1Ka3LhEZ3sUwPdZkr7aWXqDya9ikE2mJVbkURQJXbJJEWCIJQQpi11vpSJOclOwHj58g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","National Grid and the Troy Local Development Corporation presented a concept plan on Wednesday for a small energy‑center building at 249 River Street that would support a Utility Thermal Energy Network (U‑TEN) district‑heating/cooling loop fed by a geothermal bore field planned in the riverfront park.

Senior counsel Jessica Leese described the project as part of New York State’s Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act work: National Grid would install and operate distribution piping and circulation equipment, while the Troy LDC would install and maintain the geothermal bore field. \"The proposed energy center building will serve as an accessory building to our proposed Troy Utility Thermal Energy Network or U‑ten project,\" Leese said.

The proposal describes a roughly 1,400–1,500 square‑foot building (presenters said about 1,500 square feet) that would house pumps and distribution equipment. National Grid representatives said the building would be monitored remotely, with on‑site visits for maintenance approximately one day per week for roughly four hours. The team told the board the piping loop would be routed under city streets to create a short distribution loop serving downtown customers and would connect to a bore field sited in Riverfront Park.

Board members and staff raised multiple planning issues to be resolved before formal application: the site is within the Resilient Waterfront and Flood Risk Overlay District and a local historic district, which triggered discussion of view corridors and offsets. Commissioners noted a possible conflict between the overlay district’s 30‑foot viewshed requirement and the underlying district maximum 10‑foot setback between buildings. The board advised the applicant that a variance from the zoning board may be necessary for any conflict between the overlay requirement and the development-intensity district standard.

Architect Evan Galatelli described the building as a one‑story functional structure visually scaled with a faux third story parapet to conceal rooftop equipment; he said the Historic Review Committee received the design positively and had only minor comments. National Grid and the design team said utilities and storm‑sewer relocations would be coordinated with city water and sewer staff; they said they expect limited on‑site staffing and no regular off‑street parking needs beyond occasional service vehicles.

Action and next steps: The commission provided concept‑level feedback and asked applicants to return with refined plans and a zoning strategy. Commissioners did not declare lead agency for SEQR or take final action; staff and commissioners noted that the applicant may need zoning relief from the waterfront viewshed requirement and should formalize lease lines and areas for maintenance access.

Provenance: Concept presentation and background occur at 67:42–68:40 (applicant introduction) and extensive Q&A and board direction run through 83:35–84:49 (board comments and parting comments).","National Grid and Troy Local Development Corporation presented a concept plan for a small energy‑center building to serve a geothermal thermal-energy loop; planning staff and commissioners raised zoning overlay and viewshed questions to resolve before next submission.",{"_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},6598866,"Planning commission asks Unity House to seek variance for off‑site dumpsters and return with crosswalk plan",898,1547000,2445000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea&start=1547&end=2445","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea/thumbnail_1547000.jpg","/articles/6598866/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Planning-commission-asks-Unity-House-to-seek-variance-for-offsite-dumpsters-and-return-with-crosswalk-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598866-5e26fe488f6f353b68bb526212e6c673/orig.mp4?Expires=1770956493&Signature=R84Jyw9RvuOQudKZFM~ISQXSfTOIjvqpAg8JAY-1CuEV6OX6nq9aH2F1bCYB3~c7Kd9DvEmECQnLyTdtGxo4vQOde1dCOy-FLGmycZAVFTqnJljO2CRiE9CEoEpoHFsV-G9F7Plj-AzYVOli6ob0qIarTWskZjIdN-YsDhjsPpx5o4KtoNWCdqGt1vOyB0kOMNhsF3Fu-vIJkhk3pYG-llxuaGnlvT-vHhbS-NItyBSF-muPscoQIAu3gk8LEks3k21GhRsOuUNhQ-qttd-~pEk7o03OHqoe82qRYhx7JnIUxwLK7zWE1zjfYTVbVOzOuRjyhfUbOtxvPsB6Bw4RDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Troy Planning Commission moved Wednesday to classify the Unity House teaching-kitchen proposal at 185 Earl Street as a Type 2 action and directed the applicant to apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance that would allow continued use of off‑site dumpsters, and to return to the planning board with a pedestrian crosswalk plan if the variance is granted.

Project team representative Greg O'Connor, of Architecture Plus, described the project as a conversion of an existing, largely abandoned two‑unit residence into a teaching kitchen and skills‑training facility for Unity House. \"It's renovating an existing 900 ish square foot structure and a 500 square foot addition on the west side of the building,\" O'Connor said, and noted the team provided an accessible ramp requested by staff.

The staff report cited section 285-66, which requires refuse receptacles to be located on the subject property and not in the city right-of-way. Planning staff explained that because Pearl Street functions as an alley but is formally a street, the Zoning Board of Appeals would be the authority to grant relief from the on‑site requirement. The applicant asked the commission whether off‑site dumpsters could continue to be used across Pearl Street, where Unity House's current dumpsters sit.

Board members and staff pressed the applicant about pedestrian safety because students or program participants could be walking across the alley between the main Unity House building and the new kitchen. Commissioner questions focused on whether a painted crosswalk or signage would be needed given there is no sidewalk in the alley and the path traverses a parking area. The project team said the proposed crosswalk could be located at the start of the ramp or adjacent to the building and that signage and pavement markings could be used to alert drivers to pedestrians.

Action taken: The commission voted to classify the project as a Type 2 action and to require the applicant to seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for off‑site trash collection; if the ZBA grants the variance, the applicant must return to the planning commission with a pedestrian crosswalk plan. A commissioner moved to \"classify it as a Type 2\" and later moved that the applicant \"get their variance through ZBA and then come back to us with an appropriate crosswalk plan.\" Both motions were seconded and passed by voice vote.

What happens next: The applicant said they will apply for the ZBA variance and return with an updated site plan and crosswalk/wayfinding details if the variance is approved. Planning staff suggested the applicant prepare updated drawings showing pedestrian routes and trash access for ZBA review and for the planning board's subsequent review.

Provenance: Discussion of dumpster variance and crosswalk considerations begins at 26:52–27:12 (project summary) and the motions to classify and to require ZBA variance and return with crosswalk plan occur at 40:01–40:45 and 40:56–41:24 (motions and votes).","Commission classified Unity House kitchen renovation as Type 2 but directed the applicant to pursue a zoning variance for off‑site dumpsters and return with a pedestrian crosswalk plan if the zoning board approves the variance.",{"_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},6598869,"Planning commission grants Alias Coffee event‑space special use permit for one year, requires renewal review",1036,442000,1478000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea&start=442&end=1478","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea/thumbnail_442000.jpg","/articles/6598869/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Planning-commission-grants-Alias-Coffee-eventspace-special-use-permit-for-one-year-requires-renewal-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598869-aaa5d0be58b995016a98374f82749d60/orig.mp4?Expires=1770956493&Signature=PHyPxAZ3e1tX74euK6xaeYiqzltZMKCN3xJQgVjr6Fc2P58ZjBcLwNFrbWdlEbFcrwUp9TNTI2rQ4VbZb~tbLF4LmnMTUWppdypJLH0kjH~29IiWrFsd3jpJtGILOANZ~gFlNdg4tQoSFkji11nPKzcBSEaB2rMxeD5Ts4ena0rkaxqA8KUp23aF4-AssZQVPuSLNowrX2hSEa7YUe8M6NMEuWvpSAlKRnk57yL0QoK51vZjhuWBrLkqKZsz~K0PDPCMT~lsqc-5aa753tmgCbnvB-32zLUX3nG2fBaeHRArOCOX~6yNN1NbytkcQ5zVvJAn8hCVMjd0p~gz4aVgeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Troy Planning Commission voted Wednesday to grant a one‑year special use permit to Alias Coffee — operated by Hernan Lopez — allowing the business to expand into the remainder of its building and change occupancy to an assembly/event space.

Why it matters: The permit permits a use not normally allowed in the zoning district and the commission debated whether the special use should be permanent, temporary or tied to the current applicant. The board and staff clarified that a special use permit is issued to the applicant and applies to the specified property; whether the permit “runs with the land” or transfers to a successor owner depends on the type of permit and legal interpretation.

Applicant architect Adam Patel summarized the project and the changes to the building, saying, \"We're looking to expand the use of the Alias Coffee Cafe from the approximately 1,000 square foot use at the front of the building to the remainder of the building, including changing the occupancy type to an assembly space.\" The project includes two new restrooms, a new egress door, accessible egress modifications and a change to the front door swing.

Board members pressed staff and the applicant on whether a permanent special use would carry forward if ownership changed. Planning staff explained three time-length options: permanent (which can run with the land in some circumstances), a fixed term that would expire on a set date, or denial. The applicant said he is in the process of purchasing the building but is not yet the owner and that the transaction is imminent.

After discussion the commission offered a compromise: issue a one‑year permit and require the applicant to return for renewal or consider permanent status after the board's legal questions about transferability are answered. The applicant accepted the arrangement, citing an immediate need to proceed with construction and permit issuance. A commissioner moved that the board \"give him a special use permit for 1 year, and he would come back at that time to see if we could give him a permanent one once our questions are answered.\" The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The board directed the applicant to file a renewal application near the one‑year mark; planning staff advised the applicant to \"submit your renewal probably in March\" of the year prior to the expiration to allow time for review. The commission and staff also recommended that applicant follow up with corporation counsel on whether a permanent permit would transfer with a sale or whether a new occupant would have to obtain its own special use permit.

Provenance: Project presentation and applicant introduction at 07:22–08:18 (Adam Patel and Hernan Lopez). Final motion and vote granting a one‑year special use permit occur at 24:52–24:59 (motion, second, voice vote).","The board approved a one-year special use permit allowing Alias Coffee to expand into an event/assembly space, with the applicant required to seek renewal or permanent status later and staff to clarify transferability issues.",{"_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},6598875,"Troy planning board pauses review of 81-unit Posting Hill Place project amid brownfield, fire-safety and service concerns",639,2516000,3155000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea&start=2516&end=3155","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3023271-463869da00a26333550d1e3a13f26aea/thumbnail_2516000.jpg","/articles/6598875/Troy/Rensselaer-County/New-York/Troy-planning-board-pauses-review-of-81-unit-Posting-Hill-Place-project-amid-brownfield-fire-safety-and-service-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598875-5e41d90f2b04052fc7a0fd881c1af461/orig.mp4?Expires=1770956493&Signature=lPoI1BwTxb5NfIbtlnJSLwD7OZpGKCulNej9msptS-zDJybmvUzYqDpqaivS0aOk8Tn6KO~-Db3TQ2XLQHpDdB0etm652M2LTp2E-RfANO~kEJYxFw3goZIahRiWwVMagN71ETMO1rs4liaJ6Up14Y2p2TvtUmpeNP2ZNPGIdWRpaGiCg-xuZcMMvI-lJXFSXa1YUKD7otOI3d8u8KalXP8UjIgKppYo4dM7wYpVurRCqhvVVipyycLWs4UOxDVYyaaZvJD~BqPvE~fpiEkB-xmg0ksCGN6l5pUS0lWxz6T-aHv7mcNxB~7G7-7ElxBsCReumWuj~AJLJKIFJNTUog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Troy Planning Commission on Wednesday tabled further action on Posting Hill Place, a proposed 81-unit affordable housing project by Community Builders, after commissioners and city departments pressed the applicant for more environmental documentation and detail about emergency-service access and long-term site management.

The project team said the 2-acre redevelopment would build a four-story, 81-unit affordable building with parking at grade and structured parking on the ground floor, and that the site is enrolled in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Brownfield Cleanup Program. Kelsey Carr, civil engineer for the project, said the team is completing a predesign investigation for the DEC and expects a final remedial report in the fall, followed by a construction work plan. \"The project was accepted into the New York State DEC Brownfield Cleanup Program, and the applicant is currently in the process of completing the predesign investigation,\" Carr said.

Why it matters: Commissioners said they could not complete SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) determinations without updated documentation about cleanup timing and outcomes, and they raised public-safety and service-delivery concerns after lengthy comment from the Troy Fire Department.

During the presentation, the design team described a courtyard with a reinforced grass loop to allow ladder-truck access and said they will provide 98 parking spaces, including 69 internal garage spaces, 29 exterior spaces and 15 banked spaces for potential future need. The team also said the site lies in the 100-year floodplain; the ground floor is planned as open parking to allow flood storage, with three residential stories above. Brian Barker, architect, showed a red-brick–heavy façade designed to respond to nearby four‑story masonry buildings while stepping down to adjacent residential blocks.

The fire department raised multiple objections. A deputy chief representing the Troy Fire Department told the board that the department has not accepted grass-paver access for aerial apparatus and that a 35-foot clear area is required within the courtyard for aerial access. The deputy chief also said a high-voltage transmission line adjacent to the proposed building would prevent aerial operations on the south side and noted operational issues the department has experienced at other Community Builders properties. \"We have significant issues. 2 First Street management won't even allow DPU to go in and get an accurate reading of water,\" the deputy chief said, citing emergency and management concerns at existing Community Builders locations.

Several neighborhood speakers asked about unit affordability levels, access to internal open space and design compatibility with the surrounding Victorian neighborhood. Ian Brew, a resident of Third Street, asked whether neighborhood residents would have access to the planned courtyard and how affordability would be administered. Jesse Battis, a Community Builders representative, said the project would propose a mix of units restricted at 50%, 60% and 80% of area median income under HCR underwriting and that previous neighborhood meetings and letters of support have occurred.

On environmental review and SEQR procedure, commissioners said the project is now a Type I action because an adjacent property was listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places and because the change in zoning under Recode Troy altered permitted uses. Commissioner discussion focused on whether the board should declare lead agency for SEQR and proceed with coordinated review. Several board members said they needed more detailed DEC documentation — including the brownfield cleanup plan, waste characterization and the timetable for a certificate of completion — before they could comfortably pursue a negative declaration.

Action taken: The commission voted to table the project and to delay declaring lead agency for SEQR. \"I think we should hold off on declaring lead agency,\" one commissioner said before the motion to table passed.

What happens next: The applicant said it expects to pursue financing and a construction timeline that would include remediation, with a hoped-for financial closing next June and remediation and construction activities into 2026–27. The board asked the applicant to provide updated environmental documents, DEC correspondence, and responses to the fire department's operational concerns and to return after those items are supplied so the commission can revisit lead‑agency determination and coordinated SEQR review.

Provenance: The initial project overview and project history appear in the transcript at 25:16–26:32 (project scope, Recode Troy impacts). The final motion to table and hold off on declaring lead agency appears at 52:48–52:54 (motion and vote).","The Troy Planning Commission tabled decisions on the Posting Hill Place redevelopment after extended discussion about DEC brownfield cleanup, emergency-service impacts and zoning requirements under Recode Troy.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Planning commission minutes, extensions, SEQR classifications and permit actions

National Grid and Troy LDC present concept for U‑TEN energy center at 249 River Street; board flags view‑corridor and zoning conflicts

Planning commission asks Unity House to seek variance for off‑site dumpsters and return with crosswalk plan

Planning commission grants Alias Coffee event‑space special use permit for one year, requires renewal review

Troy planning board pauses review of 81-unit Posting Hill Place project amid brownfield, fire-safety and service concerns