Cohoes ZBA approves subdivision on Rensselaer Avenue with parking and maintenance conditions

The Cohoes Zoning Board of Appeals on June 24 approved a modified subdivision plan for a vacant 140‑by‑100 lot on Rensselaer Avenue, allowing the applicant to create two 7,000‑square‑foot lots for two two‑family homes. Approval was conditional on adding parking for two existing buildings and showing parking/access improvements on the site plan before construction.

Carl Godfrey of Remodel Now, representing property owner Brady Palladino, told the board the owner has completed capital improvements to the existing properties (brush clearing, tree removal and cleanup) and proposed two market‑rate, two‑family homes with off‑street parking and new sidewalks. Godfrey said the site work and roadway extension would be at no cost to the city.

Neighbors, including Bob Marois, opposed the plan or expressed concerns about existing vehicles blocking an alley/emergency access, and asked who would maintain new access ways and parking. Marois presented photographs showing vehicles blocking the alley and said the community has long maintained the alleyway.

Board members discussed splitting the requested shortfall between the two lots rather than granting a single 1,000‑sq‑ft relief to one parcel. Member Cotch proposed — and the board agreed — to approve two lots of 7,000 square feet each (rather than the applicant’s original 7,500/6,500 split) to reduce the percent variance. Chair Mollnow conditioned approval on ensuring parking for the two existing buildings is addressed on the site plan and on establishing how alley maintenance will be handled.

The motion to approve the two 7,000‑sq‑ft lots and the parking condition passed unanimously among members present. The applicant must submit a site plan that documents parking improvements and drives to the planning board for final review and the special‑use permit process required in the R‑2 district.