Planning, Economic Development and Land Use Committee

COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETING PLANNING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE COMMITTEE Alfredo Balarin, Chair Meeting called by: Alfredo Balarin, Chair Date: 01-26-22 Time: 5:30 PM Committee Members Present: Balarin, Chair ☒ Hoey ☒ Adams ☒ Clarke ☒ Zamer ☒ Invitees/Speakers: Brad Glass Sam Morreale Zach Powell Jasleen Jaspal Luis Roldan Erin Glennon Council Members Present: Farrell, Keegan City Personnel Danielle Gillespie, John-Raphael Pichardo, Martha Mahoney, Present: Ethan Samuel Minutes Agenda Item (s):  General Overview of the Planning Departments Operations Questions and Discussion  The Chair called the meeting to order.  The Planning Department staff introduced themselves to the committee  Council Member Balarin discussed what will be brought up in the next meeting  The Planning Department presented what their comprehensive plans are and there projects they manage  Council Member Hoey asked how the Planning Departments plans affected wards 14 and 15 in which Brad Glass responded to  Council Member Zamer asked a question about the waterfront revitalization and asked if the department is working with the group that is trying to impact 787 in which Brad Glass responded to  Council Member Hoey asked if Patroon creek was still polluted and if the Council and Planning Department could correct what was wrong with the Ordinance that was about the appeal process related to the USDO in which Brad Glass responded to  Council Member Clarke commented on Council Member Hoey’s question and that it might have been related to waivers and said they could work together on figuring it out.  Council Member Zamer asked a question if Zach Powell is the person to talk to about the Master Pedestrian and Bike Plan in which Zach Powell responded to.  Council Member Keegan asked a question about demonstration projects related to speed bumps and if they had any further information about what the results were from those demonstration projects and if we will be seeing implementation of that in the future in which Zach Powell and Brad Glass responded to.  Council Member Hoey asked a question about if we will lose a period of architecture of old buildings in which Eric Glennon and Brad Glass responded to.  Council Member Zamer thanked the Planning Department for having this meeting with them and Brad Glass thanked her as well  Council Member Hoey asked about permit turnaround time and what is the average turnaround time in which Brad Glass responded to  Council Member Clarke discussed that he would like to hear from the planning departments standpoint about the USDO  Council Member Balarin asked questions about if inclusionary zoning that was settled and if there is any language that should be included in the inclusionary housing that should be added and asked if there has been anything discussed about marijuana legalization and if they should be aware of anything in which Brad Glass responded to  Council Member Keegan noted that NYC already put marijuana usage and NYC was able to move quickly because they already had strict outdoor smoking.  Council Member Hoey discussed private housing and dorms for the University at Albany and asked if the planning department overviews the approval of private dorms for UA, he asked if Brad looks to build more buildings or if he cares about the city in which Brad Glass responded to  Council Member Clarke commented on how he’d like to see the department and the council to keep in mind spreading out the marijuana shops and having setbacks so there won’t be multiple shops next to each other.  Council Member Balarin made a comment asking if he can call them by their first names. Public Comment: There was no public comment Adjourn: The Chair asked for a motion to adjourn, which was duly made, seconded, and it passed. Link to meeting recording: https://www.facebook.com/albany.commoncouncil/videos/310197134458163 Respectfully Submitted, Ethan Samuel Legislative Aide to Common Council