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Albany City planning board approves permit for small Robin Street event space
Summary
The Albany City Planning Board approved conditional use permit CP-2026-09 to convert a ground-floor space at 56 Robin Street into an event space for family and community gatherings, with a noted maximum capacity of 43 and limits on amplified live music without a cabaret license.
The Albany City Planning Board on Monday approved conditional use permit CP-2026-09, allowing the conversion of an unoccupied ground-floor unit at 56 Robin Street into an event space for family and community gatherings.
Chair Glena Gilliard called for a motion after planning staff recommended approval. Planning staff told the board the application fits the city’s zoning framework as a change of use under the city’s USDO and said the proposed use would not alter the building’s exterior or utilities. “The staff recommends that we approve the conditional use permit CP-2026-09,” planning staff said. The board moved and seconded the motion and the chair recorded a voice vote in which members said “I.” The transcript does not record individual vote names or a numeric tally.
Applicant McKinley Branch, who the chair introduced as the applicant, described long ties to the neighborhood and said he plans to rent the space primarily for private family events. “I’ve been on Robin Street since 1993… I’ve been holding it down for more than half my life,” Branch said, explaining he already hosts small family gatherings and wants to formalize rental use.
Planning staff said the application indicates no cooking or liquor sales, no new gas or water connections, two bathrooms, and a proposed maximum capacity of 43 people. Staff and board members discussed parking availability on Robin Street and nearby Sherman Street and said they expect noise to be limited to Bluetooth speakers under the proposal. Staff and the board emphasized that amplified live performance — including DJs — would require a separate cabaret license.
The board and staff outlined remaining steps for the applicant: obtaining any required cabaret license for amplified performers, completing building-department inspections, and securing sign-offs from public safety departments and the common council member as appropriate. Planning staff said the application was reviewed as a Type II change-of-use and that advisory comments had asked the applicant to elaborate on the types of gatherings expected.
The permit was approved; the transcript shows the board voiced support but does not include a numerical tally. The applicant was told to follow up with the building department and other city offices before hosting events that would require additional permits.
