GUILDERLAND — The Capital Region’s first Costco Wholesale store inched closer to opening when the town planning board on Wednesday reviewed the retailer’s site plan for the first time in more than three years.
The planning board’s recommendation to approve the site plan is the first step in obtaining the special use permit required for the Crossgates owner to build the warehouse-style retail facility next to the shopping center. The board’s report will be sent to the town zoning board of appeals, the agency responsible for granting the permits.
Slated for the northeast corner of the intersection of Western Avenue and Crossgates Mall Road, the 163,000-square-foot retail facility will include 770 parking spaces, a tire center, an 18-pump gas station and eight charging stations for electric vehicles. It will be the Washington-based brand’s first location in the Albany area.
Adding more charging stations, decorative fencing, a bike rack and more trees along the streetscape are among the planning board’s recommendations sent to the ZBA for final action.
“There’s been a lot of planning work done, particularly over the last seven years,” said town Planner Kenneth Kovalchik.
Mall representatives and others involved in the project presented the site plan Wednesday night, highlighting off-site work they say will be made to reduce traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety. Plans include a multi-use trail path installed around the…
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