Albany

The Zoning Board of Appeals has unanimously approved plans for a five-story mixed use building on 563 New Scotland Ave. where the local variance only allows for 4.5 stories.

The proposed development is across from St. Peter's Hospital and would border New Scotland Avenue, South Allen Street and Onderdonk Avenue. It would be four buildings: a five-story building with a mix of apartments and retail; two four-story buildings for multi-family units and another two-story structure, also for multi-family residences.

At a city Planning Board meeting in March, about 50 residents heard a two-hour discussion on the project. Many voiced concerns about increased traffic and noise and the development's impact on neighboring property values.

But the most common concern was about its size, specifically the five-story building, saying it is too large and "out of character with the neighborhood."

Representatives for Jankow Companies said they designed the development so the five-story building is across from St. Peter's Hospital, and thus blend in more.

They also said if their proposal for a five-story building does not pass they may have to increase the heights of the other buildings to allow for enough residential units.

All five Zoning Board members agreed to the five-story proposal, but with conditions. The five-story variance is only applied to the one building, the proposed two-story building would not exceed the two-story height and there would not be a fifth building, Planning Commissioner Chris Spencer said.

Seven existing structures including an old UPS building, a couple of apartment complexes and a multi-family home would be razed.

Representatives of Jankow said the new buildings would have a modern look and house storefronts and quality restaurants.

The development's proposal will be brought before the Planning Board again in June for final approval.