After hearing complaints from those living on neighboring streets, Lia Honda on Central Avenue has changed its plans for a parking lot expansion and received a new concept acceptance from the Colonie Planning Board.
Bill Mafrici of Hershberg & Hershberg civil engineers met with the board in October 2012 to discuss plans to expand the Lia Honda parking lot and create a cul-de-sac on Kairnes Street next to a stormwater retention pond. The plan could have affected the stormwater retention pond and so on Tuesday, Jan. 8, Mafrici presented a revised plan that would instead create a small parking lot behind the facility that would not affect the pond or any of the residents on the adjacent street, Lockrow Blvd.
One resident expressed concerns over whether or not Kairnes Street would remain a dead end, since that’s where he plows snow. Engineer Joe Grasso said that concern will be accommodated and there will be a 20-foot buffer for pushing snow.
Mafrici said the plan also calls for the addition of 10 coniferous trees as a buffer, and to not disturb any residences.
“I just wanted to commend you for working with the town. I also wanted to commend the town for working with you. This is a really nice example of everyone working together to have a better outcome,” Planning Board Member Kathleen Dalton said.
Tuesday’s meeting was the first for new board member Susan Milstein, who filled a vacancy created by the departure of Mike Sullivan. Milstein had previously sat on the Zoning Board of Appeals.