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Albany City Planning Board approves development package for 135 Ontario Street with parking waiver and conditions
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Summary
The board approved CP2026‑3 for 135 Ontario St, granting a SEQR negative declaration, a conditional use permit recommendation, an off‑street parking waiver and development plan approval with conditions including final water department sign‑off and implementation of an affordable housing compliance plan (USDO §375‑4015c).
At its April 2026 meeting the Albany City Planning Board approved a package of actions for CP2026‑3, a proposed conversion and addition at 135 Ontario Street. The board declared a negative SEQR finding, approved the conditional use recommendation, granted an off‑street parking waiver and approved the development plan review with conditions.
Presenters described a project that would add two floors to an existing building, produce a mix of units (presentation noted two two‑bedroom units per floor and a total count cited as 34 in the presentation), and include internal bike storage, a fitness room and trash rooms. The applicant said inclusionary (affordable) units were included in the design to meet code requirements.
Board members focused on privacy and light for adjacent homeowners because some proposed windows on the south and west elevations sit low and face backyards. The board and applicant discussed either specifying higher transom windows or adding a six‑foot privacy fence; the applicant agreed to revise elevations and fence plans as appropriate. Staff summarized department reviews: engineering, fire and general services signed off; water department approval remains a condition prior to issuance of building permits. Staff also recommended that the applicant implement an affordable housing compliance plan consistent with USDO section 375‑4015c prior to certificate of occupancy.
The board moved through the items individually — the negative SEQR declaration, the CUP recommendation, the parking waiver and the development plan review with the two staff conditions — and approved each by voice vote. Final building permits will follow department signoffs and any required stamped plans.
