A proposed six-unit residential building at 18-20 Stow Avenue in Troy, NY, is facing significant community pushback due to parking and traffic concerns. During the May Planning Board meeting, project supervisor Dan Carlin presented the plan to rebuild a structure that burned down two years ago. However, local resident Matthew Hogan raised alarms about the lack of parking in the area, stating that the street only allows parking on one side and is already congested.
Hogan emphasized that the proposed building would exacerbate existing traffic issues, particularly with the narrow Saint Michael's Avenue, which becomes hazardous in winter. He pointed out that the lot's dimensions—50 feet wide with a 37-foot building—leave little room for fire access and parking, raising safety concerns.
In response, Carlin noted that the previous structure had operated without parking requirements, suggesting that the new building could follow the same precedent. The board discussed the possibility of eliminating the driveway due to space constraints, which would mean no parking would be provided for residents.
Despite the concerns, the Planning Board unanimously declared the application complete and scheduled a public hearing for June 17. The outcome of this meeting will be crucial in determining the future of the project and addressing community concerns about safety and accessibility.