Colonie meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Colonie boards weigh water plant upgrade, senior housing, sign appeals

This week, Colonie's Town Board and advisory boards took up several items, including a $1.36 million water plant fuel tank replacement, a senior housing proposal, and sign appeals. All meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no final decisions are recorded.

Town Board (Aug. 6)

The Town Board scheduled a public hearing on a $1,360,952 project to replace two 5,000-gallon diesel fuel underground storage tanks with one 10,000-gallon tank at the Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant. The board also considered awarding a $270,111 contract to ANJO Construction, Ltd. for the 2026 Sewer Repair Program covering 12 locations, and a $117,056 change order to Essential Constructs, LLC for HVAC repairs and upgrades at EMS Station 3. A provisional appointment of Steven J. Iarossi as Building Department Director at $99,224 per year was on the agenda, along with a $26,500 engineering agreement with Tighe & Bond for a clarifier rehabilitation study update at the Mohawk View Water Pollution Control Plant.

Planning Board (Aug. 4)

The Planning Board held a public hearing and considered concept approval for a Planned Development District (PDD) at 33-45 Forts Ferry Road. The proposal, by Forts Ferry Road Development LLC, includes four senior apartment buildings with 38 units, a community room, and parking garages. The site is zoned Office Residential (OR), and the lots are proposed for consolidation.

Sign Review Board (Aug. 4)

The Sign Review Board heard appeals from two applicants whose sign permits were denied by the Building Department Director. One appeal concerned a 24-square-foot primary commercial complex identification sign at 678 Troy Schenectady Road (Vital Sign & Graphics Co, Inc./Latham Gateway). Two appeals were for 1306 Central Avenue (Bo Construction/Cuci Burger): a 19-square-foot freestanding sign modification and a 41-square-foot wall sign.

Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 5)

The Zoning Board of Appeals held public hearings for four applications. A key item was a variance request by Matthew Christensen for a 600-square-foot accessory structure (2-car garage) in the front yard at 2 Hills Road, which is currently prohibited by town law. Other hearings involved 11 Corning Street (Mark Beliveau), 24 Archibald Street (St. Basil's Russian Orthodox Church), and 713 Troy Schenectady Road (Rehabilitation Support Services).

Coming up

• **Planning Board – Regular Meeting** (Aug. 18): Agenda includes updates on the Colonie Mohawk River Park Boat Launch Grant, a Shaker Composting site tour, and a fall Town Hall pond cleanup.
• **Conservation Advisory Council – Regular Meeting** (Aug. 20): Same topics as above — boat launch grant update, composting tour, and pond cleanup.

Colonie Town Board weighs $1.36M water plant tank replacement; boards take up housing, signs, variances

The Colonie Town Board this week took up a $1.36 million project to replace diesel fuel storage tanks at the Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant, along with several contracts and appointments. Other town boards met to consider a senior housing development, sign appeals, and a front-yard garage variance. All items remain under consideration; minutes have not yet been published.

Town Board

At its Aug. 6 regular meeting, the Town Board scheduled a public hearing on a $1,360,952 project to replace two 5,000-gallon underground diesel fuel storage tanks with one 10,000-gallon tank at the Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant. The board also considered:

• Awarding a $270,111 contract to ANJO Construction, Ltd. for the 2026 Sewer Repair Program covering 12 locations.
• A $117,056 change order to Essential Constructs, LLC for HVAC repairs and upgrades at EMS Station 3.
• The provisional appointment of Steven J. Iarossi as Building Department Director at an annual salary of $99,224.
• A $26,500 engineering agreement with Tighe & Bond for a Clarifier Rehabilitation Project Study Update at the Mohawk View Water Pollution Control Plant.

Planning Board

The Planning Board held a public hearing and considered concept approval for a Planned Development District (PDD) at 33-45 Forts Ferry Road. The proposal, known as The Summit at Forts Ferry, calls for four senior apartment buildings with 38 units, a community room, and parking garages. The site is zoned Office Residential (OR), and the applicant, Forts Ferry Road Development LLC (represented by EP Land Services LLC), has proposed consolidating lots. The board considered concept approval under application PL-25-00314.

Sign Review Board

The Sign Review Board heard two appeals from applicants whose sign permits were denied by the Building Department Director. The board considered whether the proposed signs meet town land use law requirements on size and setbacks:

• An appeal for 678 Troy Schenectady Road (Vital Sign & Graphics Co, Inc./Latham Gateway) regarding a 24-square-foot primary commercial complex identification sign.
• Two appeals for 1306 Central Avenue (Bo Construction/Cuci Burger): one for a 19-square-foot freestanding sign modification and one for a 41-square-foot wall sign.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals held public hearings on four applications, including a request by Matthew Christensen for a variance to build a 600-square-foot accessory structure (a two-car garage) in the front yard at 2 Hills Road, which is currently prohibited by town law. The board also scheduled new hearings for 11 Corning Street (Mark Beliveau), 24 Archibald Street (St. Basil’s Russian Orthodox Church), and 713 Troy Schenectady Road (Rehabilitation Support Services).

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days. Check the town’s official meeting calendar for future agendas.

Colonie Town Board approves infrastructure and personnel resolutions; Planning Board reviews retail addition

The Colonie Town Board unanimously approved several infrastructure and personnel resolutions at its July 23 regular meeting, including authorizing bids for snow plowing services and a new sludge pump at the Mohawk View Water Pollution Control Plant, and awarding an EMS airway equipment contract to Bound Tree Medical, LLC.

Town Board actions (July 23)

All eight resolutions adopted at the July 23 regular meeting passed unanimously. The board:

• Approved personnel appointments for Daniel J. Crowley, Travis M. Sperry, and Dara M. Suler.
• Approved provisional appointment of employees under the NY HELPS Program.
• Authorized bids for DPW contract plowing and trucking services.
• Authorized bids for a new primary sludge pump at the Mohawk View Water Pollution Control Plant.
• Authorized public auction of surplus Highway Road Millings.
• Awarded an EMS airway equipment contract to Bound Tree Medical, LLC.
• Authorized property and casualty liability insurance policies via Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.
• Authorized a cloud-based contact synchronization agreement with ContactZilla for the Department of Emergency Services.

Planning Board review (July 21)

Minutes have not yet been published; the following are agenda items only, not decided actions. The Planning Board was scheduled to consider:

• Islamic Community Center, 10 South Family Drive: a waiver request for a 1,364-square-foot reduction in required landscaped islands (PL-22-00020).
• 33-37 Warehouse Row: sketch-plan review of a proposed 10,650-square-foot retail addition in the Industrial zone (PL-26-00169).
• 2120 Central Avenue, Lia Toyota: concept-acceptance review for a 124-space parking expansion in the Commercial Office Residential zone (PL-26-00103).

A July 20 Industrial Development Agency meeting listed the same three items on its agenda; minutes for that meeting have also not been published.

Sign Review Board (July 21)

Agenda only; minutes not yet published. The Sign Review Board was scheduled to hold public hearings on appeals from businesses whose sign permit applications were denied by the Building Department Director:

• Appeal for a 51.28-square-foot additional wall sign at 79 Wolf Road (Trader Joe's).
• Appeal for a 46.75-square-foot freestanding sign at 399 Albany Shaker Road (Dazed Cannabis).
• Hearing for Vital Sign & Graphics Co, Inc. regarding 678 Troy Schenectady Road (Latham Gateway).

Coming up

• **Aug. 4 — Planning Board:** Public hearing and consideration of concept approval for The Summit at Forts Ferry PDD at 33-45 Forts Ferry Road (PL-25-00314). The proposal includes four senior apartment buildings with 38 units, a community room, and parking garages. The applicant is Forts Ferry Road Development LLC, represented by EP Land Services LLC. The site is currently zoned Office Residential (OR), with lots proposed for consolidation.
• **Aug. 4 — Sign Review Board:** Appeals for 678 Troy Schenectady Road (Vital Sign & Graphics Co, Inc./Latham Gateway) regarding a 24-square-foot primary commercial complex identification sign, and for 1306 Central Avenue (Bo Construction/Cuci Burger) regarding a 19-square-foot freestanding sign modification and a 41-square-foot wall sign.
• **Aug. 5 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** Public hearings on four applications, including 2 Hills Road, where Matthew Christensen seeks a variance to build a 600-square-foot accessory structure (2-car garage) in the front yard. Other hearings: 11 Corning Street (Mark Beliveau), 24 Archibald Street (St. Basil's Russian Orthodox Church), and 713 Troy Schenectady Road (Rehabilitation Support Services).

Colonie Town Board adopts EMS fee schedule, water plant repairs, and school resource officer agreements

The Colonie Town Board approved a new Emergency Medical Services fee schedule, declared an emergency for Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant repairs, and authorized school resource officer agreements with three districts at its July 9 regular meeting — all by unanimous vote.

Town Board actions — July 9

The board adopted a new 2026 EMS Department fee schedule unanimously. It also declared an emergency for repairs at the Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant and approved a contract with Collar City Concrete, LLC for a sidewalk project at that facility.

School safety agreements were authorized for Capital Region BOCES, North Colonie Central School District, and South Colonie Central School District — each unanimously.

Other unanimous decisions included:

• Approved a $5,008.98 sewer benefit assessment refund for 886 Watervliet Shaker Road.
• Authorized bids for the Memorial Town Hall boiler replacement.
• Awarded a contract to Campito Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for boiler replacements.
• Declared 64 Wade Road as surplus property for sale.
• Authorized an audit service request for proposals (RFP).
• Authorized an Insurance Reserve Fund payment for legal fees and settlements.
• Authorized Lisa Travis for temporary IT consulting services.
• Extended the Capital Region Transportation Council agreement.

Personnel resolutions adopting Danielle M. Hubbard, Christopher P. Hipwell, and Corine Jubrey passed unanimously. The Christopher P. McCumber resolution passed 6-0.

A July 8 meeting listed under the Significant Environmental Areas Management Appeals Board contained the same set of resolutions. The official minutes for both meetings reflect identical items.

Planning Board — July 7 (no decisions)

The Planning Board reviewed three items but adjourned without formal approvals, denials, or recorded votes:

• A change-in-tenant application for the Capital Region Health Park.
• An updated 9,250-square-foot transfer facility at 136 Morris Rd.
• An amended site plan converting a storage building to apartments at 188 Troy Schenectady Rd and 15 Delatour Rd.

Members raised questions about landscaping, traffic impacts, building design, and storm-water management. No votes were recorded.

Sign Review Board — July 7 (agenda only)

The Sign Review Board scheduled public hearings for two sign applications. The primary item was an appeal by AJ Sign Company for Mabey's Self Storage seeking a 67.48-square-foot wall sign at 344 New Karner Road. The sign was denied because its 35-foot height exceeds the 20-foot maximum. A second hearing for a sign at 602 Loudon Road (Five Guys) was also scheduled, with no additional details in the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.

At its previous meeting, the board approved a 1-square-foot projecting sign for Jetset Pilates at 664 Loudon Road and adjourned a hearing for a Keeler Mini sign at 1111 Troy Schenectady Road.

Conservation Advisory Council — July 16 (agenda only)

The CAC was scheduled to discuss mechanical equipment procurement for the Colonie Mohawk River Park Boat Launch and to review upcoming project comments for 33 & 45 Forts Ferry Road (Summit at Forts Ferry PDD) and 1129 Loudon Road (Sharifipour Apartments & Storage Redevelopment). Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Industrial Development Agency:** Regular meeting.
• **July 21 — Planning Board:** Public hearing and three items — a waiver request to reduce landscaped islands by 1,364 square feet at the Islamic Community Center (10 South Family Drive, PL-22-00020); sketch-plan review of a 10,650-square-foot retail addition at 33-37 Warehouse Row (PL-26-00169); and concept acceptance for a 124-space parking expansion at Lia Toyota, 2120 Central Avenue (PL-26-00103).
• **July 21 — Sign Review Board:** Public hearings on appeals for a 51.28-square-foot wall sign at 79 Wolf Road (Trader Joe's), a 46.75-square-foot freestanding sign at 399 Albany Shaker Road (Dazed Cannabis), and a hearing for Vital Sign & Graphics Co, Inc. regarding 678 Troy Schenectady Road (Latham Gateway).

Colonie Town Board adopts new EMS fee schedule, authorizes school resource officer agreements and water plant repairs

The Colonie Town Board adopted a new 2026 fee schedule for the Emergency Medical Services Department and authorized school resource officer agreements with three area school districts, all by unanimous vote, at its July 9 regular meeting.

EMS fees and school resource officers

The Board adopted the new EMS Department Fee Schedule for 2026 unanimously. It also unanimously authorized School Resource Officer agreements with Capital Region BOCES, North Colonie Central School District, and South Colonie Central School District.

Water treatment plant and Memorial Town Hall repairs

The Board declared an emergency for repairs at the Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant and approved a contract with Collar City Concrete, LLC for a sidewalk project at the plant, both unanimously. It also unanimously authorized bids for the Memorial Town Hall boiler replacement and awarded a boiler replacement contract to Campito Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Property, refunds, and personnel

The Board declared 64 Wade Road surplus property for sale and approved a $5,008.98 sewer benefit assessment refund for 886 Watervliet Shaker Road, both unanimously. Personnel resolutions adopting Danielle M. Hubbard, Christopher P. Hipwell, and Corine Jubrey passed unanimously; Christopher P. McCumber's resolution passed 6-0. The Board authorized Lisa Travis for temporary IT consulting services.

Other actions

The Board unanimously authorized an audit service Request for Proposals, an Insurance Reserve Fund payment for legal fees and settlements, and an extension of the Capital Region Transportation Council agreement.

A July 8 entry under the Significant Environmental Areas Management Appeals Board lists the same items with identical vote tallies; minutes for that meeting are noted as decided from official records.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 1

The ZBA held a public hearing on an appeal by ABM Industries (Siena University) from the Building Department's denial of a building permit for a synthetic turf lacrosse field, 750-seat grandstand, 420-square-foot press box, and 2,880-square-foot support building at 515 Loudon Road. The property is in a Single-Family Residential district; the denial cited non-compliance with front yard structure prohibitions under Section 190-26(C)(4) and recreational field standards under Section 190-22(M)(10). The Board was to consider a variance and make a SEQR determination. Minutes have not yet been published.

Planning Board — July 7

The Planning Board reviewed four items, with minutes not yet published:

• **711-713 Troy Schenectady Road:** NYS Department of Health leasing 37,860 square feet of space.
• **136 Morris Road:** Project update for a 9,250-square-foot construction and demolition debris transfer facility.
• **188 Troy Schenectady Road and 15 Delatour Road:** Proposal to build two 12-unit apartment buildings totaling 31,680 square feet in place of storage buildings.
• **188 Troy Schenectady Road:** Proposal to construct a three-story, 60,000-square-foot storage building.

Sign Review Board — July 7

The SRB held a public hearing on an appeal by AJ Sign Company (Mabey's Self Storage) for a 67.48-square-foot wall sign at 344 New Karner Road, denied because its 35-foot height exceeds the 20-foot maximum. A second hearing for a sign at 602 Loudon Road (Five Guys) was scheduled with no additional details in the agenda. At its previous meeting, the Board approved a 1-square-foot projecting sign for Jetset Pilates at 664 Loudon Road and adjourned a hearing for the Keeler Mini sign at 1111 Troy Schenectady Road. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 16 — Conservation Advisory Council:** Discussion of mechanical equipment for the Colonie Mohawk River Park Boat Launch, plus comments on the Summit at Forts Ferry PDD at 33 and 45 Forts Ferry Road and the Sharifipour Apartments and Storage Redevelopment at 1129 Loudon Road.
• **July 21 — Sign Review Board:** Public hearings on a 51.28-square-foot additional wall sign at 79 Wolf Road (Trader Joe's), a 46.75-square-foot freestanding sign at 399 Albany Shaker Road (Dazed Cannabis), and a sign application by Vital Sign and Graphics Co., Inc. at 678 Troy Schenectady Road (Latham Gateway).

Colonie Town Board unanimously approves contracts and appointments; Planning and Zoning boards weigh development proposals

The Colonie Town Board unanimously adopted 18 resolutions June 25, awarding contracts for playground equipment, restroom installation, piping repairs, and window replacement, and extending a lease with the Village of Colonie for EMS use. Every vote was 7-0.

Town Board — June 25

The board approved six personnel appointments and awarded several contracts, all by unanimous vote:

• Playground equipment contract to Playground Boss, LLC.
• Pre-fabricated restroom installation to M.A. Schafer Construction.
• PVDF piping repairs at Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant to Savignano Construction.
• Window replacement: rescinded the prior contract with Neptune America and awarded the replacement to Glasscare, Inc.
• Extended the lease with the Village of Colonie Fire Station for the EMS Department.
• Established a standard work day and reporting resolution for retirement system credit.
• Directed the Planning Director to review a proposed amendment at 33 Justin Street in the Maxwell Road PDD.

The board's resolutions also covered contracts for fire sprinkler testing and water meter printing, according to the meeting summary. Dollar amounts for the contracts were not included in the available records.

Planning Board — June 23

Minutes have not yet been published; the following items were on the agenda:

• **25 Aviation Road** — Sketch plan review for a Planned Development District for a 25-unit condominium building on a 2.1-acre lot zoned COR.
• **107 Wolf Road** — Concept acceptance for a 3,500-square-foot Raising Cane's restaurant with a dual drive-thru, parking, and patio.
• **4 NYSUT Drive** — Concept update for a 175-by-240-foot outdoor turf field on COR-zoned land.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 1

Minutes have not yet been published. The agenda included a public hearing on an appeal by ABM Industries (Siena University) from the Building Department's denial of a building permit for a synthetic turf lacrosse field at 515 Loudon Road. The proposal includes a 750-seat grandstand, a 420-square-foot press box, and a 2,880-square-foot support building.

The property is in a Single-Family Residential district. The Building Department denied the permit for non-compliance with front yard structure prohibitions (Section 190-26(C)(4)) and recreational field standards (Section 190-22(M)(10)). The board was scheduled to consider a variance from the Land Use Law and make a SEQR determination.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Sign Review Board:** Public hearing on an appeal by AJ Sign Company (Mabey's Self Storage) for a 67.48-square-foot wall sign at 344 New Karner Road. The sign was denied because its 35-foot height exceeds the 20-foot maximum. A second hearing is scheduled for a sign permit at 602 Loudon Road (Five Guys); no additional details were provided in the agenda.

Town Board Adopts 18 Resolutions Including Playground Equipment, Water-Plant Repairs, and EMS Lease

The Colonie Town Board made a series of decisions at its June 25 regular meeting, approving contracts for playground equipment, restroom installation, water-plant repairs, and a lease extension with the Village of Colonie for emergency medical services. All 18 resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously, 7–0.

Town Board Resolutions

Among the actions taken:

• Six personnel appointments.
• A playground equipment contract awarded to Playground Boss, LLC.
• A pre-fabricated restroom installation awarded to M.A. Schafer Construction.
• Authorization for Savignano Construction to perform PVDF piping repairs at the Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant.
• A window contract with Neptune America was rescinded and the work re-awarded to Glasscare, Inc.
• A lease extension with the Village of Colonie Fire Station for the EMS Department.
• A standard work day and reporting resolution for retirement system credit.
• The Planning Director was directed to review a proposed amendment at 33 Justin Street in the Maxwell Road Planned Development District.

No dollar figures were included in the official minutes.

Planning Board Reviews Development Concepts

On June 23, the Planning Board held a public hearing and sketch plan review for a Planned Development District to permit 25 condominiums on a 2.1-acre lot at 25 Aviation Road, currently zoned COR. The board also considered concept acceptance for a 3,500-square-foot Raising Cane’s restaurant with a dual drive-thru, parking, and patio at 107 Wolf Road, and received a concept update for a 175-foot by 240-foot outdoor turf field at 4 NYSUT Drive. No final votes were taken; minutes have not yet been published.

Zoning Board of Appeals Hears Athletic Field Variance Appeal

On July 1, the Zoning Board of Appeals heard an appeal by ABM Industries, on behalf of Siena University, from the Building Department’s denial of a building permit for a synthetic turf athletic field at 515 Loudon Road. The proposal includes a 750-seat grandstand, a 420-square-foot press box, and a 2,880-square-foot support building, all on property in a Single-Family Residential district. The denial cited non-compliance with front-yard structure prohibitions and recreational field standards. The board is considering a variance from the Land Use Law and must make a State Environmental Quality Review determination. Minutes are not yet available.

Coming Up

The Sign Review Board will meet on July 7 with two public hearings. The primary item is an appeal from AJ Sign Company for Mabey’s Self Storage, seeking a variance to allow a 67.48-square-foot wall sign at 344 New Karner Road. The proposed sign’s 35-foot height exceeds the 20-foot maximum allowed. The board will also hold a hearing for a sign permit at 602 Loudon Road (Five Guys), though the agenda provides no further details. At its previous meeting, the board approved a one-square-foot projecting sign for Jetset Pilates at 664 Loudon Road and adjourned a hearing for a Keeler Mini sign at 1111 Troy Schenectady Road.