Historic Preservation & Architectural Review Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COHOES HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD HELD IN CITY HALL ON January 16, 2018 AT 6:30 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Daniele Cherniak, Chairperson Barbara Hildreth, Vice Chairperson Robert Langley ABSENT: Herbert Hyde Thomas Rifenberg ALSO PRESENT: Melissa Cherubino, Dir. of Building and Planning Chairperson Cherniak called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 19TH 2017 MEETING Rob moved to approve the December 19th 2017 meeting minutes. Barb seconded the motion which passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF STORM WINDOWS AT 65 REMSEN STREET Sarah Stevens owns a mixed-use building at 65 Remsen Street, operating a restoration company from the first floor. She explained that heat escapes the storefront windows, leaving the first floor uncomfortably cold. She lives upstairs and had installed plastic on her windows, which improved heat retention. After researching, Sarah found an appropriately sized storm window framed in brown that would work for the storefront windows. She seeks HPARB approval to install the storm windows, providing brochures, photos and specifications of the proposed storm windows. Barb moved to approve the storm windows. Rob seconded the motion which passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS AT 20-22 WHITE STREET Dennis Klapija owns a mixed use building at 20-22 White Street. Located next to the corner parcel fronting Remsen Street, the building at 18 White Street was demolished, leaving the east side wall of 20-22 White St exposed. The applicant proposes repairing the east side wall and stairs. He amended his drawing to add a second and third story window in the stairwell, measuring 32”X48” each. Then he would like to stucco the exterior in order to prepare the wall for a mural installation. The City intends to construct a pocket park on the adjacent corner vacant lot, installing benches, bike racks, landscaping and an electric vehicle charging station after completing Remsen Street Phase II streetscape improvements. Rob moved to approve the application. Barb seconded the motion which passed unanimously. DISCUSSION 1. Board members questioned the storefront window replacement at 86 Remsen Street. The wood staging area and framing were removed, creating one large storefront window. Although it looks acceptable the Board found that the property owner should have come before the Board for approval. The City requested the property owner clean-up the building, repair the first floor and rent the storefront. The Director of Economic and Community Development worked with the owner to ensure compliance. However, the storefront window replacement seems to have escaped notice unintentionally. The ECD Director adamantly requires applicants to present to HPARB. Melissa suggested a retroactive approval for the record, which the Board agreed would correct the situation. 2. The first section of the zoning code update was emailed to board members earlier in the day. Board members expressed concerns as to whether form-based code would pre-empt the Historic District overlay rules, HPARB review and public participation and comment in decision making. Melissa suggested that the form-based code clarifies expectations for developers. The proposed zoning code first chapter grants  ministerial approval of what form-based code delineates. The Boards would still need to review projects outside the form-based code and size/scope limitations. However, clarification through form-based code as well as ministerial approvals of smaller projects that comply with the new code will streamline economic development opportunities. 3. Rob Langley owns property at 76 Congress Street. He would like to have the building designated as a local landmark in order to take advantage of tax credits and exemptions and ensure preservation of the structure. Daniele provided the section of code that describes the process. Rob will submit documentation detailing the historical significance of the home. Once materials are submitted the HPARB will schedule then conduct a public hearing prior to making a recommendation to the Common Council to designate 76 Congress Street for the registry. There being no further business, the Board adjourned at 7:30 pm.