ALBANY – The Upper Washington Neighborhood Association believes the developer looking to build an affordable housing development on Colvin Avenue is misrepresenting the group’s position on the project as it seeks to gain support and financing.
The council member for the area has introduced legislation that would rezone the property, as well as lots across the street.
Missouri-based developer Vecino Group is looking to build a five-story, 187-unit affordable housing development that would include 57 units for veterans who have no permanent homes. The proposal is part of a larger redevelopment of an Armory Garage parking lot at 64 Colvin Ave.
In a letter to the Vecino Group last month, the Upper Washington Neighborhood Association accused the developer of telling other organizations that the neighborhood supported the project.
The neighborhood association has raised concerns about the project since it was first introduced last spring, including questions about the overall size and density of the project, as well as the impact on city services in the area.
“We do not believe the Vecino Group can support this project and we do not believe it is appropriate in our neighborhood, or anywhere in the city of Albany,” the group wrote in a letter signed by Zachary Simpson, the association’s president, and 12th Ward Councilman Hyde Clarke.
Clarke, who represents the area, is pushing two ordinances that would change the zoning for several properties along Colvin Avenue near Central Avenue, including 64 Colvin Ave. One ordinance would change the zoning from “mixed-use community urban” to “mixed-use neighborhood center.”
The second piece of legislation would impose a cap of one dwelling unit per 750 square feet of gross floor area for any land zoned “mixed-use neighborhood center.”
In his memos attached to the…
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