Conversion of Saint John's Church to apartments reviewed; county historic and environmental checks requested

Developers presented a conversion plan for Saint John's Church on Green Street to residential use that includes facade restoration, a dumpster enclosure, and stormwater measures. The presenter described the project as a rehabilitation aimed at returning the building closer to its historic appearance while creating housing units. Architect Dan Sanders was named as part of the design team.

Staff read three formal recommendations from the Albany County Planning Board and three advisory notes: require review by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for impacts to archaeological and historic resources; ensure compliance with building, fire, accessibility, and floodplain requirements; and consider pedestrian, bicycle, and emergency access. Staff also noted an advisory that the short environmental assessment form identified federally listed species that may require NYSDEC review. "The project is greater than 20 dwelling units," staff said, and recommended the board act as responsible agency where the new SEAF exemptions apply. The board deferred the item pending agency and departmental reviews.

There was confusion in materials over the total number of dwelling units; the presenter corrected an earlier count and said, "It's it's 26 units," and staff asked the applicant to confirm the final tally for the record. Engineering, fire, and other departmental comments are pending and will be addressed before the board schedules action.