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Planning board defers demolition review for 402 North Grove, applicant cites structural decay and floodplain constraints
Summary
The board deferred demolition-review and major development review for 402 North Grove after the applicant presented engineering findings that front portions of the building are structurally unsalvageable; staff noted floodplain requirements and form-based frontage/parking rules will govern subsequent submissions.
The Albany City Planning Board on Oct. 7 voted to defer a demolition-review application and associated development-plan review for 402 North Grove after the applicant presented an engineering assessment that found extensive structural decay in the front portions of the building.
John Peckham, attorney for the applicant K D B F North Pearl LLC, said the building previously housed a cannabis dispensary and that further investigation revealed the front two-thirds and basement have deteriorated to the point that rehabilitation is not feasible. Presenters described water intrusion into the basement, roof failures and masonry and beam degradation; an engineer’s report from September 2023 was referenced and will be added to the project file for review.
Planning staff noted the property sits in a form-based warehouse district and partially within a floodplain Zone AE; projects in the floodplain must demonstrate that cumulative changes will not increase base flood elevation by more than one foot. Staff also flagged required use-specific standards for a cannabis dispensary, hours-of-operation limits, and form-based frontage/parking exceptions in which the Chief Planning Official may grant adjustments when strict compliance prevents minimum off-street parking.
Board members and staff requested additional documentation — the applicant indicated a demolition-review application and the engineer’s report would be formally submitted to the planning department — and the board voted to defer to allow a complete submission and departmental review.
