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RussellZiemba 361 days ago

I attended the Planning Board meeting tonight and suggested a more direct pedestrian access to the Approach. Instead of the current arrangement that has people walking around the parking lot, I suggested being able to walk along side the building in a more direct line up from Broadway to the Approach. The Planning Board pretty much ignored my comments and approved the project as it was presented by the developers. For the first time since the Broadway right-of-way was blocked by the hotel a half century ago, the Planning Board had the opportunity to try to correct the problem and flubbed it. Russell Ziemba

mcral 361 days ago

Thats terrible! Is there a place to get access to the actual plan that was approved?

troyisgreat 360 days ago

Thanks Erika for posting this, and Russell for posting details after the meeting.

I too would like to see the actual details of what was approved.

If I understand your point correctly Russell, it is exactly what myself and others I've spoken with thought would be the best case scenario. Remove part of the building to open up a clear path/direct line from the Approach to Broadway, and use the rest of the property as planned, for student housing.

I think there are definite benefits to having student housing right in the downtown, I think it is an excellent move. However, I think to not take advantage of the opportunity to open up the pathway from the approach to downtown would be a HUGE mistake.

tvan22 356 days ago

I'd like to see the actual details of the plan that was approved as well.

RussellZiemba 355 days ago

I too think that there can be many benefits to having more students living downtown, but regret the missed opportunity to correct a long-standing, bad planning decision that blocked the Approach. The developers told the Planning Board that the project would not be economically feasible if the southern wing of the building or any portion of it was removed to allow better pedestrian access to the Approach. Since there was no public clamor for removing a portion of the building anyway, I didn't propose it because I knew they would ignore me. I mentioned it as the best way of improving access, but proposed rerouting the sidewalk from the southern edge of the parking lot to nearer the building.

The developers are going to change the facade and the entryway, but not too much else of the exterior. The plans for what was approved are available at the Troy Planning Department, third floor of City Hall. Call V. Zubkovs at 270-4623 between 9 and 4:30 for an appointment.

If folks would like to become more involved in Troy planning decisions, the Planning Board usually meets the second Thursday of each month at 6pm on the second floor in City Hall. The agenda is available on the website a day or two before the meeting or you can call Mr Zubkovs mentioned above a week before for a draft agenda. Citizens are allowed to speak about each agenda item during the public hearing section for each proposal.

As long as I'm making a pitch for civic involvement, here are some other important meetings and times. The Troy City Council meets the first Thursday of each month at 7pm. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the third Thursday of each month at 6pm. If anyone would like to become an member of the Historic Action Network (it's free) which works to preserve historic buildings and structures, call me at 272-1539.

mcral 355 days ago

Thanks for the update Russell. This really is a shame.

erikabai 340 days ago

What I love about Troy, amidst the usual awful politics, is that we citizens get to be a part of the process. Every city council, planning board and zoning board meeting I have attended has always been a lesson in civic participation. Residents of Troy do not rest. I applaud people like Russell who continue to attend and bring up important issues for all of us to consider.

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