Board approves larger sign and reduced deck clearance for River Street restaurant
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Summary
The Troy Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances allowing a 60-sq-ft illuminated sign and reduced right-of-way clearances for two decks at 421–425 River Street after the applicant presented design details and a site survey addressing utilities and easement access.
The Troy Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve two variances for a redevelopment at 421–425 River Street on Wednesday, allowing a larger wall sign and reduced vertical clearance for two new decks that will extend into the public right-of-way.
Architect Jeffrey Goldstone, representing owner Garrett Brown, told the board the application seeks a 60-square-foot sign where city code allows 48 square feet and two replacement decks with clearances below the 16-foot ordinance requirement. "We're requesting variances for 2 things that we have proposed on the project," Goldstone said, and described the sign as being mounted above a new awning and visible from the river.
The board first moved to treat the application as an unlisted SEQR action and to issue a negative declaration based on staff reports. Members then approved the area variance for the sign, finding the larger sign would not create an unreasonable change in neighborhood character. During questions, designers confirmed the final sign dimensions would be close to 60 square feet and said lighting would be limited to evening hours of operation, not 24-hour illumination.
Goldstone said the proposed decks replace existing structures and would be set at elevations consistent with the first-floor entry. He told the board surveys and a Bella engineering review showed the sewer main ran outside the proposed deck footprint and that the design team had adjusted column locations to maintain a reasonable buffer from utilities. "We have also moved the 2 columns that were closest to it back about 5 feet so that there's about 10 feet or 9 feet between the closest column and the utility line," he said.
After finding the deck proposal an unlisted SEQR action, the board voted to grant the deck/frontage variances, citing that one of the encroachments largely matches an existing condition and that the requested relief is necessary to allow functional use of the building entrance and deliveries.
The applicant agreed to provide more coordinated utility and easement documentation to staff. The board’s approvals were procedural and limited to the zoning variances; building permits and any additional structural approvals remain subject to separate review.