Planning Board approves Third Street site plan adding 31 parking spaces for St. Joseph’s after public debate over neighborhood impacts

The Troy Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the site plan for a property on Third Street (PLPB20250027416) that adds 31 parking spaces intended in part to serve nearby St. Joseph’s church.

Applicant representatives said the proposal includes landscaping, shade trees between existing and proposed parking areas, an island with trees, improved circulation and removal of an existing chain‑link fence to allow access on both sides. The applicant said they will work with the planning and codes departments to replace damaged sidewalks that were destroyed by prior demolition and firefighting activity.

Neighbors mounted substantial public comment in opposition and in support. Steven Mables of 511 Second Street, a transportation planner by training, told the board the Transportation Demand Management Plan “has not, repeat, not shown the need for this demand” and that the TMP lacked the rigorous street‑parking analysis required by local standards. “For that reason alone, I would say the TMP is not adequate according to our own law,” Mables said.

Other residents emphasized pedestrian and senior access concerns. Rich LaRose, a parishioner, described multiple Sunday services at nearby churches and the difficulty older parishioners would have walking several blocks to worship. “He’s looking to kind of make it a little bit more amenable to the parishioners,” LaRose said of the pastor’s intent to improve access.

Pamela Benteen, a neighborhood resident, said she worried about losing green space and increasing summer heat in the area: “To have more paving and to have the heat generated by that is a big concern to me.” Some commenters suggested alternatives such as curb‑management reserving spaces for people with mobility needs and limiting the scope of surface paving.

Applicant and architectural representatives said they had added landscaping, screening, shade trees and stormwater infiltration practices, and they said trees along Third Street would remain. The applicant also described retaining green space for summer festivals and preserving an island within the layout.

Board members asked a series of technical questions about the number of spaces, landscaping, island design and the applicant’s coordination with the church on service schedules. After discussion the board voted to approve the site plan application; the motion passed unanimously.

The board’s approval included the applicant’s commitment to work with city departments on sidewalk replacement and to follow staff recommendations regarding lighting, landscaping and stormwater measures. The public record for the application includes multiple written submissions from neighbors that will remain part of the planning file.