Chase Bank proposed for former Ruby Tuesday site in Niskayuna

PHOTOGRAPHER: Gazette

The former Niskayuna Ruby Tuesday

Chase Bank hopes to open a branch office in Mohawk Commons in Niskayuna — and replace an existing building in the process.

Bank officials have discussed their plans with members of the town’s Planning Board.

Chase proposes to demolish the existing Ruby Tuesday restaurant and construct a 3,471-square foot office. Representatives said the existing restaurant building cannot be re-purposed for bank offices.

The proposed construction plans also include:

* Reconfigured parking and additional green space for the property.

* The addition of a drive-through at the edge of the parking lot.

* A new curb cut for the internal road between the building space and the nearby Panera Bread building.

Town Planner Laura Robertson said Ruby Tuesday has been closed since 2016. Chase officials, she said, still have work to do.

Because the new building is closer than 150 feet to a property line, Chase will need an area variance before moving forward on the project.

“They have to go to the Zoning Board for variances,” Robertson said. “They have a setback variance to the Target lot line … Target owns its parking lot and it’s actually up and adjacent to 150 feet away from where they want to put the bank.

“If they have to go to the Zoning Board I think they also want to look at a sign package that needs some variances,” Robertson added.

Robertson also expects public hearings will be held by both the Zoning and Planning Boards. Chase officials will be working with the boards, Robertson added, into November.

“They seem very dedicated to the project,” Robertson said of the applicants.