Planning board approves basement unit at 467 Third Street

The Albany City Planning Board on Monday approved a conditional use permit to convert a single-unit townhouse at 467 Third Street into a two-unit building by adding a basement dwelling of about 672 square feet.

Staff said the basement unit would be installed without exterior alterations and would include “all the services needed to live for individuals or family,” including hot water, heating, a bathroom and a small kitchen, and that two units are permitted in the R-2 district. The board moved and seconded the permit and approved it unanimously.

The application materials and staff analysis said the property is in the West Hill neighborhood on a 3,485-square-foot lot, larger than the R-2 minimum lot area of 2,250 square feet. Staff reported a block survey showing a mix of housing types near the site, and concluded the conversion would not exceed the maximum allowed dwelling units for the lot.

An applicant representative described the proposed unit as a garden- or basement-level dwelling and noted it would not require structural changes to the main building. The presentation stated, “the proposed unit will be about 672 square feet.” A nearby resident who spoke in support said the project would “bring nice working people to the basement” and described the change as helpful to neighborhood revitalization.

Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions after staff and the applicant spoke. Staff noted the project was classified as a Type 2 action under SEQR and did not require referral to the Albany County Planning Board.

The board approved the conditional use permit with a unanimous voice vote. The permit approval authorizes the conversion described in the application; no exterior changes were proposed or required as part of the approval. The planning board’s action does not substitute for any building- or life-safety permits that may be required at the time of construction.