Revised ‘Citizen’ project now in floodplain; developers shrink tower, add affordable units and seek board input on accessibility and retail

Bear Smith of Holt Architects and the applicant team presented a revised plan for the project at 602 W. Buffalo (referred to in the record as the Citizen) after Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) map changes placed the site in the 100‑year floodplain.

The revisions described by Bear Smith included raising the first floor about four feet (base flood elevation plus two feet of freeboard) and eliminating the previous top (fifth) floor to remain within zoning height limits, which reduced the total unit count from about 80 to 59. The team said they are pursuing a low‑income housing tax credit (LIHTC) financing route and expect the building to be all‑affordable under the 9% LIHTC model. The ground floor retail program will be consolidated from two commercial bays into a single retail space to minimize multiple occupancy/floodproofing complications.

The applicant explained the approach to accessibility: the elevation change creates a “half‑story” transition that the design addresses with a front‑back elevator and an accessible path; the team explained that a continuous ramp would be very long (an estimated 60–80 feet) and create other design and circulation tradeoffs. For bike parking the team confirmed covered bicycle parking is provided under the building but is not fully enclosed because of concerns about safe charging, storage and fire risk for e‑bike batteries.

Board members expressed both support and notable concerns. Members asked the applicant to: - Provide clarification on the retail square footage (the agenda lists about 2,300 sq ft) and market viability for that size; - Reconsider secure, enclosed bicycle storage solutions where feasible to reduce theft risk; - Revisit the accessible route so that residential access does not rely solely on an elevator; the board suggested exploring internal circulation options that would keep entry experience equitable for residents and visitors; and - Provide more landscaping and improved screening of the under‑building parking so the Ground Floor does not feel like an open breezeway inconsistent with waterfront design guidance.

Applicant told the board that the stormwater sizing under the building remains as previously approved and that some site elements stayed largely the same; staff and the applicant discussed whether the project’s previous SEQR (referred to in the meeting as “SEQR”) negative declaration needs amendment given the plan changes and floodplain designation. The applicant requested an expedited schedule because they had submitted for state funding; staff warned that the floodplain designation is a material change and that SEQR implications and an amended environmental review may be required.

What’s next: Board asked the applicant to return next month with a fuller presentation addressing accessibility alternatives, detailed retail program sizing and viability, landscape and parking screening options and an amended SEQR/SEQR determination where applicable. The board did not vote on the item.