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Albany planning board defers review of proposed 34‑unit addition at 135 Ontario Street
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Summary
The Albany City Planning Board deferred action on a proposal to add two stories and 34 dwelling units above an existing one‑story commercial building at 135 Ontario Street after staff asked for outstanding reports and referrals, including fire, water and engineering reviews.
The Albany City Planning Board on Feb. 3 deferred action on a proposed rooftop addition that would create 34 dwelling units at 135 Ontario Street, after staff said the project still needs multiple referral reports.
Daniel Hirschberg, representing Upstate General Construction, told the board the plan would add two floors above an existing one‑story building and yield "a total of 34 dwelling units in there." He said the footprint would remain largely the same, that sedimentation control measures are planned, and that construction will likely require temporary use of a portion of the city sidewalk.
Neighbors raised immediate concerns about parking and privacy. "Parking is my biggest concern," said Felita Friday, who lives at 137 Ontario Street and said the property abuts her on two sides. She told the board on the record that on‑street parking in the area is already limited and that a rooftop conversion for 34 units would increase demand.
Planning staff asked the board to ensure referrals are complete before action. Staff noted the project should be reviewed by the local fire department for emergency access and sprinkler requirements, by the Department of Water for hydrant and supply issues, and by building code reviewers once planning review is complete. Staff also said form‑based zoning questions and an environmental review classification remain unresolved and that, because the sidewalk and narrow right‑of‑way constrain tree planting, the project team has proposed a reduction in required street trees.
After the staff presentation, the Chair said, "Without objection, we will defer this project until such time we get all the reports," and no board member objected. The deferral means the board will revisit 135 Ontario Street after the outstanding technical reports and referral responses have been submitted.
The deferral does not decide the merits of the rooftop conversion; it pauses formal action until fire, water, engineering and building reviews are completed and the applicant or staff supply clarification on demolition scope, tree mitigation and how on‑street parking demand will be addressed.
