April 18, 2024
A new Northwest Bank branch in Brooklyn Square is in the works.
A site plan for the assignment approved unanimously earlier this week through the city’s planning commission. Approval of the site plan was presented at the commission’s meeting in March after questions arose for the site of the former Oriental Star restaurant regarding potential state approvals from the DEC that might be required given the site’s prestige as a former brownfield cleanup site and its proximity to the Chadakoin River.
These concerns were largely resolved over the past month. Environmental testing was conducted, said Andy Johnson, a civil engineer working on behalf of the bank on the project, adding a Phase 2 environmental study that includes the environmental study conducted. for further expansions in the area. Northwest is working with an environmental engineer to scale up a removal plan and figure out how to deal with any soil issues that could possibly prevent expansion.
“They’re looking to resolve a lot of disorders before progression, and then they’re looking to resolve disorders during progression if they arise. Therefore, this total elimination plan will be developed and presented to the city or anyone. “who wants to see it before the structure begins,” Johnson said.
Johnson said considerations about the appearance of the bank from Chadakoin Riverwalk were also being addressed, as slight adjustments were being made to the rear of the building. The bank is adding screens to hide its dumpsters, and Johnson said it has added several landscaping features, adding junipers, rhododendrons and hydrangeas between the riverbank and riverbank, which will block the view of cars in the parking lot from the riverfront.
“You can still see them from the sides, but I think it’s going to ease the tension between the bypass lane and the park walkway,” Johnson said.
Other issues raised at Tuesday’s meeting by longtime Planning Commission member Jeff Nelson centered on the new bank’s proximity to the Chadakoin River and the recently completed South Main Street Bridge. Johnson said the progression won’t have to be within 35 feet of the river and that based on the way the new building is designed, it will be farther from the river than the old Oriental Star restaurant construction. The new location will have a different view for those driving on North Main Street.
“Visually, when you walk down South Main Street, because of the nature of the location of this property, it’s across from everything else, but no farther away than it is now,” Johnson said. “But it’s also a monument sign, so there’s a lot going on when you walk down the street. “
Northwest Bank officials are due to close retail operations at its Third and Main Street locations, though offices would remain downtown. The retail bank would later move to Brooklyn Square in a more modern building with drive-thru service.
“I think we’re all excited about this,” said Greg Lindquist, a member of the Planning Commission. “It’s going to be a huge improvement over what’s out there now, and more or less, ahead of time, I wanted to say that as I’m asking a lot of questions. It’s not about seeking to link me or asking questions, it’s so that I can perceive what the task is and what you’re doing.
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