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325 College Avenue team shifts to alternate streetscape, finalizes trash plan with hauler review
Summary
Stream and partners presented revised design for 325 College Avenue, including a streetscape alternative preferred by the committee, confirmation that Casella signed off on trash service, and additional details requested on retaining-wall materials and penthouse screening.
Project representatives for 325 College Avenue presented a revised design and streetscape plan to the Project Review Committee on Feb. 14, saying they had adopted the alternate option the committee preferred at an earlier review and refined material details and the trash-handling approach.
Noah, representing Stream (the development team), said the design team "embraced" the alternate option and shifted the facade treatment to step with the slope and to add plantings and granite planters along Dryden to extend the College Avenue character. For trash, the team said it had engaged Casella, the hauler, which "has reviewed the site, reviewed the plan, signed off that they are very comfortable servicing this property based on this plan." The presentation included an updated trash diagram and a sunken light well treatment along the east side that the developer said will be finished with a wood aesthetic and a fast-growing vine to screen an engineered shoring wall.
Committee members praised streetscape enhancements but raised technical concerns. Andy Rollman said exposed steel posts with wood lagging for retaining walls would likely not be acceptable and urged a more durable detail: "we're not gonna approve ... steel poles and wood lagging for the retaining wall." Max Pfeffer asked about long-term durability where vines attach to wood, and asked for clarification on outstanding variances and the project's sequencing with zoning review. Staff and the team confirmed the project has engaged the BZA previously and that BZA feedback was generally positive; the team said they are proceeding with materials and Seeker (environmental review) coordination as appropriate.
Other committee questions addressed bike parking (the applicant said they meet required counts and do not anticipate higher demand), curb-cut and curb-dip design for trash-cart removal (staff cautioned not to create a feature that would read as a pedestrian crosswalk), penthouse-screening materials, and whether a secondary door on Dryden would be primary for Coco's restaurant (team said primary entrance will be on College Avenue). The team said they would return with additional detail on retaining-wall materials, penthouse screening, trash access-control hardware and any minor Seeker/SEQR items.
No action or vote was taken; the committee expects the applicant to return in two weeks with updated materials and clarifications.
