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 August 21, 2018 at 6:30 pm MEMBERS PRESENT: Daniele Cherniak, Chairperson Herbert Hyde Barbara Hildreth, Vice Chairperson ABSENT: Robert Langley Thomas Rifenberg ALSO PRESENT: Robyn Reynolds, Dep. Dir. of Economic Development and Planning Chairperson Cherniak called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE JULY 17, 2018 MEETING Chairperson Cherniak asked if anyone had any questions about the meeting minutes from the July 17 meeting. With no questions, Member Hyde made a motion to approve the minutes, which Vice Chairperson Hildreth seconded and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS AT 231 REMSEN STREET The applicant noted that the owner wanted to make several renovations on the building storefront and would like to retain all design elements that were affected by the fire on Remsen Street. This would include the windows, as well as stone veneer on the front. Chairperson Cherniak and Member Hyde confirmed the location of the building, and the applicant showed pictures of the fire damage to the building. Member Hyde asked if the plan was to keep the same material as the second floor and the applicant noted it was vinyl siding, which they planned on keeping. Chairperson Cherniak noted that the windows should be the same size as the original windows, to which the applicant noted that the owner had already replaced these after there was an insurance settlement with the owner to reduce water damage. Chairperson Cherniak noted that the owner should have appeared in front of the HPARB for approval for the window replacements to which the applicant agreed and noted he was recently brought on the project. Member Hyde and Chairperson Cherniak noted that as the windows were shortened about 8”, this should have been a review conducted by the HPARB. R. Reynolds noted that the City was attempting to change its data management practices. Chairperson Cherniak asked if any of the Board members had any questions. Member Hyde asked if the applicant had any materials selected, which the applicant confirmed that nothing had been selected yet. Chairperson Cherniak commented that the HPARB can’t approve the COA without proof. The applicant noted that stacked stone wouldn’t make sense and that they may re-do the shadow box with wainscoting. Member Hyde noted that this seems more appropriate and continuous with other buildings. Chairperson Cherniak asked if the windows on the bottom floor had been redone and Member Hildreth noted that the trim would not be in place until the siding had been replaced. The applicant noted that the windows would be white vinyl, double hung and that they were not original. Chairperson Cherniak asked about the trim on the windows and the applicant explained that the original sills were still present and discussed some of the work that had been done on the building since he had been involved with it years ago. Chairperson Cherniak noted that the second floor had constraints, but that the applicant could paint the wainscoting feature. Member Hildreth made a motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness under the condition that the wainscoting was repainted the same color and that the windows would be replaced with the vinyl window treatment that had been described by the applicant, which was seconded by Member Hyde. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDERS DEMOLITIONS AT 10 VLIET STREET AND 12-16 SARGENT STREET M. Cherubino from The Community Builders explained the proposed demolitions, that 12-16 Sargent Street would be demolished and reconstructed as affordable housing and 10 Vliet Street would be a straight demolition and noted that the HPARB had already reviewed the site plans for the overall project and the components that were in the Historic District. Chairperson Cherniak asked about the ages of the buildings to be demolished and M. Cherubino noted that she wasn’t sure and was aware that the recorded ages aren’t always accurate. Chairperson Cherniak explained that while some of the buildings had vinyl siding, this was not alone a reason to demolish. Member Hildreth noted that older buildings are not always conducive to modern lifestyles and Chairperson Cherniak responded that that also may not be a sole reason to demolish. M. Cherubino noted that for the buildings at 14 and 16 Sargent, a pipe had burst and the interior was spongy on the first floor, this was not condemned due to asbestos on the top floor and the need for removal. Chairperson Cherniak asked if there were any photos, and M. Cherubino said she did not have any printed out but could pull some up. Member Hyde noted this was a safety and health issue, and Chairperson Cherniak noted the need for establishment of rules on demolishing buildings – especially contributing structures. There was discussion on the alteration of the buildings and how the changes made over time have caused these buildings to cease existing as they once were. There was an agreement that these structures were not historically or aesthetically correct. Member Hyde asked about details on timing and project specifics, to which M. Cherubino noted that the demolitions would occur in fall or spring and that these would be future rental units. Member Hyde made a motion to approve the demolitions on 12-16 Sargent Street, which Member Hildreth seconded. The motion passed unanimously. M. Cherubino noted that the Vliet Street building would be a straight demolition and there would be no reconstruction as this would be a park. Member Hildreth raised concerns about parking, and M. Cherubino noted this was already approved by the Planning Board. Member Hyde noted it might be nice to have a sign to pay homage to the building that was there, and it was decided that this may not be necessary. Chairperson Cherniak stated that this may only apply to landmarks. Member Hildreth asked if The Community Builders would maintain this park, to which M. Cherubino confirmed. Member Hildreth made a motion to approve the demolition on Vliet Street, which Member Hyde seconded. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Member Hyde made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 pm. Chairperson Cherniak seconded the motion which passed unanimously.