Planning Board grants special-use permit for Kala Works redevelopment at 206 First Street

The Troy Planning Board approved a special-use permit for the redevelopment of 206 First Street to house Hollow Works, a locally based arts nonprofit funded in part by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Joe Pernichero of Sequence Development summarized site improvements: historically appropriate gutters to manage runoff, removal of barbed wire, limited site repairs including improved lighting and a Knox Box for fire access, and use of historic-tax credits requiring State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service compliance. Pernichero said the project will improve the parking lot, add green space along the southern edge and replace a fence requested by a southern neighbor.

City engineering staff recommended conditional approval pending final on-site drainage details; the engineer told the board staff had met the applicant in the field and was satisfied that remaining drainage issues could be resolved to the engineer—s satisfaction. The board adopted the findings and approved the special-use permit in perpetuity for art-gallery uses, subject to the city engineer—s final sign-off on stormwater/drainage work.

Next steps: applicant to finalize drainage solutions and provide final plans to the engineering office prior to building-permit issuance.