Developers present 5‑story, 41‑unit waterfront proposal; commission declares intent to act as lead agency

Applicants presented a concept for a five‑story, 41‑unit multifamily building at 400 Main Street, seeking the commission’s intent to act as lead agency for coordinated SEQR review and noting the project will require a council special permit and a bonus‑height determination. The scheme proposes a partially buried building with underground parking, rooftop amenity space and green‑roof/stormwater measures to reduce runoff to the riverfront.

Joseph Thompson, the presenter, said the design minimizes rock removal and tries to respond to the steep hillside with stepped courtyard elements and recessed balconies. He said the team anticipates roughly 30–33 city parking spaces could be used to supplement on‑site parking but acknowledged city lot utilization and the changing downtown pattern require further study. Commissioners raised questions about tree mitigation payments for removed trees, the project’s FEMA/floodplain footprint and trip generation on the narrow Main Street hill; applicants said they will prepare additional studies on parking demand, flood elevations for occupied floors, and view/height analyses before returning for further review.

The commission declared its intent to act as lead agency for SEQR and asked applicants to return with more detailed materials on parking utilization, traffic/trip projections, floodplain elevation clarifications and tree mitigation calculations.