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Glens Falls council approves adjusted encroachment permit for Bonacio construction on Elm Street
Summary
After heated debate over parking impacts and neighborhood 'optics,' the Glens Falls Common Council approved an adjusted encroachment permit for Bonacio on Elm Street, allowing weekday closures with weekends open; the measure passed by roll call with one dissent.
The Glens Falls Common Council voted May 26 to approve an adjusted encroachment permit for Bonacio's construction work on Elm Street, allowing the applicant to keep the street closed during weekday work hours while opening it on weekends.
The measure followed an extended discussion about whether a full street closure was necessary for the fit-up of 36 Inc. and related construction activities, and whether contractor parking on the closed street pushed workers into nearby residential blocks. The council read the resolution aloud before moving to a roll-call vote.
Council members favoring the permit emphasized construction logistics and project timelines, saying a consistent closure allowed crews to unload and complete interior fit-outs more efficiently. A representative for the project described three factors that justified the request: the fit-up of 36 Inc., ongoing nearby apartment construction, and upcoming streetscape work that could force further closures if the timing was not managed.
Opponents pressed the applicant and staff on parking impacts and local perception. One council member said the concentration of contractor vehicles in the downtown "creates terrible optics," arguing it displaced residents and customers into surrounding neighborhoods. Council members asked whether alternate parking was available and whether the city engineer believed a full closure was genuinely necessary.
"This will only be Monday through Friday and weekends will be open," a council member said during the discussion, noting the applicant's proposal to keep sidewalks open while restricting street access on workdays.
A motion to "approve an adjusted encroachment with Bonacio on Elm Street" was moved and seconded and carried on a roll-call vote with four votes in favor and one opposed. The council did not record abstentions. The resolution's implementation may be affected by the city's planned streetscape work, which staff said could change timelines.
The council moved on to other business after the vote; the meeting later adjourned into executive session.
