by Bea Peterson
On Wednesday, October 1, Jason Von Guinness, accompanied by his wife Jessica, attended a public hearing of the Hoosick Falls Planning Board to discuss his plan to turn the old St. Mary’s Building into six one bedroom 1,600 square foot apartments and to retain the entire basement for living quarters for him and his wife. [private]He again stated there will be no structural changes to the building itself. He brought with him a design plan for the six apartments and photos of old buildings he has restored in recent years. He anticipates doing much of the work on the building himself and using his own money to do it. He knows he will need a use variance for this project.
Property abutters Mr. and Mrs. Ruggerio said they were opposed to the project as there were already too many rental apartments in Hoosick Falls. It was pointed out that these were very spacious one bedroom apartments that would appeal to a different clientele than many apartments. Bronnie Powers, who lives across the street from the building, was interested in seeing that the appearance of the building remained the same.
Robert Becker, an abutting property owner, said he was not opposed to the project, but he wanted to see a properly prepared site plan that would resolve the issues brought up at this meeting. He said there needs to be a plan indicating how the banking will be reinforced once a portion of it is cut away for parking and what type of landscaping will surround the parking area as well as plans for asbestos removal, a more detailed design for the apartments, references and Von Guinness’ ability to live up to the goal.
Everyone agreed that many people have looked at the property previously and several have purchased it with the best of intentions but nothing has come to fruition over the years. This plan has definite possibilities.
The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on Friday, October 17, at 6 pm to review the St. Mary’s proposal. Von Guinness agreed to come to the meeting with the necessary information in hand. The ZBA will meet first to resolve a fence issue, then at 6:15 the Planning Board and ZBA will hear Von Guinness.[/private]