Troy Planning Board declares intent to be lead agency for Second Avenue PDD as neighbors raise environmental and historic concerns

The Troy Planning Board voted unanimously to declare its intent to act as lead agency for the Second Avenue Planned Development District, PLPB202500291011, a proposed multi‑building residential development on the Hudson River. The board’s action begins the coordinated SEQR process and triggers distribution of environmental review materials to involved and interested agencies.

The decision matters because the project site is largely undeveloped and has repeatedly drawn public attention for archaeological, ecological and neighborhood impacts. Speakers at the public comment period urged the board to require a full environmental impact statement, to include the Village of Waterford as an involved agency, and to use outside consultants funded through the applicant’s escrow for specialized reviews.

At the meeting, Andy Brick of Brick Law Firm, appearing for Starlight Developers, asked the board to declare lead agency so the procedural review could proceed. “We’re simply asking for you to declare yourself as lead agency,” he said, noting the application…