Albany City planning board approves four development applications, sets conditions on larger River Boulevard project

The Albany City Planning Board on Monday approved multiple development applications, voting to grant conditional use permits for two small apartment conversions and to move forward with conditional approvals for larger redevelopment projects subject to technical conditions.

Chair speaker (speaker 5) opened the meeting and introduced agenda items including CUP-2026-1 at 434 Elk Street and CP-2026-13 at 39 Timber Place. Daniel Sanders, identified in the record as the applicants’ architect, presented the 434 Elk Street application and described two units planned in the existing structure. "1st Floor, 2 bedroom, 2nd Floor, 1 bedroom," Sanders said, summarizing the unit layout. Planning staff reported the proposal met R-2 zoning criteria, that on-site parking and refuse arrangements were adequate for the added unit, and recommended approval. The board moved and approved the conditional use permit by voice vote.

The board then considered CP-2026-13 at 39 Timber Place. Sanders also presented that project, describing a two‑unit conversion that preserves the building’s storefront character and retains front and rear windows. Neighbors asked whether the adjacent lawn and parking would be maintained; Kevin Boucher, who identified himself as a resident at 18 Temperer Place, asked whether the parcel included the lawn to the left of the building and whether it would be…