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Planning board accepts FreeStore reuse application for Hoosick Street site, schedules July public hearing
Summary
The board declared the FreeStore adaptive-reuse application complete, scheduled a July 21 public hearing and found the action Type II under SEQR; neighbors pressed the applicant to prevent after‑hours dumping and urged gates/other security, while FreeStore representatives described appointment-based donations and small-item acceptance.
The Troy Planning Board declared the FreeStore tenant-fit up application for the former Rite Aid on Hoosick Street complete, scheduled a public hearing for July 21 and found the reuse to be a Type II action under SEQR, clearing the way for the public‑hearing process.
Adam Patel, the project architect, said the reuse requires interior tenant fit-up only and no new building work; the FreeStore team said it plans appointment‑based donations and scheduled shopping times (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) and that donations will be managed at a supervised loading area rather than through unattended donation containers.
The applicant said unsold or unwanted small items would be disposed of in an on-site dumpster and that they would provide a dumpster enclosure repair and bike racks, and clarify snow‑removal plans. FreeStore representatives said the organization already operates a similar model in Bennington, Vermont, and that their Bennington operation has not caused problems.
Nearby residents expressed concerns about people dumping large items after hours and the potential for rummaging and neighborhood nuisance. Several residents asked the applicant to install a gate or other physical barrier across the driveway at night. The applicant said they preferred a minimally invasive measure but were open to exploring a chain or barrier and to working with code enforcement; legal counsel proposed a condition that would allow the building department to require a gate or chain if dumping complaints accumulate.
Staff also asked the applicant to confirm how zoning triggers apply to sidewalks, required green strips and shade-tree counts, because portions of Hoosick Street will undergo separate restoration work by the state and utility contractors. The applicant said it will coordinate with the city on those outstanding code and frontage questions and will provide required information before the next submission.
The board voted unanimously to accept the application as complete, schedule the public hearing and to declare the action a Type II reuse under SEQR. Staff and corporation counsel will confirm whether county or state referrals (for example under GML 239) are required before the July hearing.
