Planning board approves conditional use permit for temporary cold‑weather shelter at First Church on North Pearl

The Albany City Planning Board approved a conditional use permit for First Church Albany to operate a temporary cold‑weather shelter (Code Blue) on the third floor of the church’s parish house at 110 North Pearl Street.

Representing agent Peter Presto told the board the program would occupy about 2,700 square feet and shelter up to 19 men on a seasonal, Code Blue basis (November through April). The church said it has operated an overflow emergency shelter for more than 20 years and described the program as structured, hospitality‑focused, and staffed by volunteers and a small paid team. Reverend Trey Cherpak and church leaders emphasized volunteer support and coordination with county and state social services.

Staff noted the property’s primary use is a religious institution and that the parcel and adjacent parking arrangements meet the MUDT (mixed‑use downtown) district standards; the use was classified as a Type II action under SEQR and was referred to the Albany County Planning Board, which deferred to local consideration. Staff recommended approval with one condition limiting the shelter’s operation to the November–April Code Blue period and compliance with New York State Code Blue protocols.

Motion to approve the conditional use permit with the listed condition was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The conditional use permit allows First Church to continue an established seasonal shelter program at the church’s downtown location; it includes coordination with county and state service providers and use of nearby off‑street parking for staff and volunteers during operational hours.

Any significant future change in operations or year‑round use would require additional land‑use review.