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Board tables proposal for 12 townhouses at former school athletic field after neighborhood concerns
Summary
A proposal to subdivide the front of an athletic field into 12 townhouse lots and front-drive parking was tabled after board members and neighbors raised concerns about frontage, density and on-site parking; the developer was asked to return with revisions addressing parking location, lot layout and analysis of alternatives.
The Troy Planning and Zoning Board tabled a subdivision and multiple-area-variance application for 12 townhouses along Seventh Avenue that would subdivide part of a former school athletic field into narrow townhouse lots and front-drive parking.
Developer representative Joe Pernachero (Redburn Development) presented a plan for three blocks of four townhouses facing Seventh Avenue, citing neighborhood precedent for narrower lots and saying the proposal was developed to make the project financially viable. The application included variances for reduced lot width (down from the 40-foot requirement), reduced allowed building frontage (townhouses would span more than the zoning’s permitted share of frontage), and front-yard parking (driveways that would be at or near the front lot line instead of set back 30 feet).
Several board members and neighbors urged alternatives: move parking behind the units (using the large field behind the townhouses), break larger blocks of four into smaller duplex or single‑family lots, or retain more of the field as greenspace. Neighbors said the character of the block is predominantly single-family and that front-driveways would alter the streetscape.
A board member suggested the developer consider routing a single service road or alley behind the units to provide rear parking, or reconfigure unit types so sidewalks and front yards remain the public face of Seventh Avenue. The developer said earlier neighborhood feedback had led the team to scale the plan down from a larger earlier proposal and that he would evaluate the alternatives the board discussed.
Motion and vote - Motion to table PLCBA-2025-0011 (604 Seventh Avenue) so the applicant can revise the proposal to respond to board and neighborhood concerns (parking location, lot layout, alternative subdivision options): motion by Lindsey; second by Steve. Roll call: Evie yes; Zach yes; Steve yes; Tamara yes; Lindsey yes. Outcome: tabled (5-0).
Next steps The applicant will return with a revised submission that addresses the board’s questions about placing parking behind the units, possible reduction in block width (smaller attached units or detached units), and the long-term maintenance/ownership of any rear green space or alley. The board asked for additional analysis comparing design alternatives and their likely costs/impacts.
