278–282 Main Street redevelopment reviewed; action delayed because applicant must cure permit violations and county referral remains open

The applicant for the redevelopment of 278–282 Main Street (a reuse and expansion proposing 28 dwelling units and commercial space) presented minor exterior changes — including revised pilaster lighting fixtures — and reported construction progress but could not receive final site‑plan approval because the property has outstanding code violations and the project remains under county review.

The project representative told the board that some construction work had begun (excavation and footing pours) and that the contractor discovered an abandoned, oil‑saturated tank on the site. The applicant said the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation had been notified, that contaminated material had been staged and covered, and that DEC oversight will accompany removal and disposal work. The applicant said DEC had approved the containment and that removal would proceed when DEC staff could be present.

Board counsel and staff informed the applicant that city code (section 19‑7.4, read at the meeting) prohibits issuance of site‑plan approval where there is an existing code violation on the property. Because the board may not grant final approval while building‑code or other violations remain unresolved, the board did not act on the site plan at this meeting.

Board members said they find the design generally consistent with prior approvals and indicated the board would reaffirm SEQR and move toward an approval when the outstanding violations and the county referral are closed and required documentation (including DEC closure/sample reports) is provided.

No vote to approve the site plan was taken; staff will post required materials and the project will return to the board after the listed matters are resolved.