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 May 21, 2019 at 6:30 pm MEMBERS PRESENT: Daniele Cherniak, Chairperson Thomas Rifenberg Barbara Hildreth, Vice Chairperson ABSENT: Robert Langley Herbert Hyde ALSO PRESENT: Robyn King, Dep. Dir. of Economic Development and Planning Chairperson Cherniak called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE MAY 7 MEETING Chairperson Cherniak asked if anyone had any questions about the meeting minutes from the May 7, 2019 meeting. With no questions, Member Rifenberg made a motion to approve the minutes, which Vice Chairperson Hildreth seconded and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF MATERIALS FOR WINDOW REPLACEMENTS AT THE COHOES MUSIC HALL City Engineer Garry Nathan made a brief presentation on the different types of window materials for the upcoming replacement project at the Cohoes Music Hall, which looks to replace at least the windows facing Remsen and Oneida Streets and has been funded by a City bond. Mr. Nathan noted that the City was currently assessing the differences between “true light” and “simulated light” windows manufactured by Kolbe which had been approved for similar projects by the NYS SHPO. Mr. Nathan brought samples of each type of window to the meeting to demonstrate the differences. Vice Chairperson Hildreth asked how the windows would be cleaned, and Mr. Nathan noted they would likely be pressure washed. Mr. Nathan pointed out that one of the window types had a 5 year warranty, while the other had a 20 year warranty and wasless expensive. Vice Chairperson Hildreth asked if a window broke, how it would be replaced. Mr. Nathan noted that he assumed the sash would need to be removed and the entire pane would need to be replaced. Mr. Nathan noted there was a significant price difference between the two, and the budget for the project was already within a slim margin. Mr. Nathan pointed out that the less the windows cost, the more windows could be replaced. Chairperson Cherniak asked about the appropriateness of the window materials, and Mr. Nathan noted that this presentation was for the window panes themselves and that the total window design was forthcoming. Vice Chairperson Hildreth pointed out that without a clear presentation on differences, it would be hard to notice a distinct difference between the options. Chairperson Cherniak noted that the warranty coverage was a significant decision factor. The Members present noted that they were supportive of the City moving forward with the simulated light option and Mr. Nathan explained that next steps were to receive a mocked-up window from the contractor and that the goal was to have the replacements completed in the Fall of this year. Vice Chairperson Hildreth asked if the drapes would be replaced and if they would be consistent and Mr. Nathan noted that he assumed they would be removed as part of the renovation process and was hopeful they would be replaced with matching materials. CONSIDERATION OF A SIGN AT 150 REMSEN STREET Contractor Eric Chen representing the owners of 150 Remsen Street, now Yuan Nail Salon, noted that with the newest design presented to the Board, he attempted to match the historic color palette. Chairperson Cherniak asked if was going to be an aluminum sign and Mr. Chen confirmed that it’s more of an adhesive material and it would be affixed to the lintel. Member Rifenberg and Vice Chairperson Hildreth agreed it was a very basic design. Mr. Chen noted that they wanted it to be waterproof and that the actual sign was off-white to match the lintel, but that the color represented on the print-out, a banana yellow, is due to a printer distortion. R. King gave a little bit of background on different iterations of the design and noted that it would be preferred that the sign be raised lettering, but that this was up to the Board to decide. With there being no further questions, Member Rifenberg made a motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness for the signs to be placed on the lintel at 150 Remsen Street and Vice Chairperson Hildreth seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. R. King noted that there was a lot of positive feedback on the opening of the salon, and that the next step was for Mr. Chen to come in for the sign permit. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Cherniak mentioned that Melissa Cherubino, with The Community Builders, was looking for a letter of support for a proposal to design and implement a historic-themed park around the Champlain Canal Lock 2 on the JUNCTA lot planned for a multi-family building. The Board agreed to provide a letter of support for this project. With no further business, Chairperson Cherniak made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 pm. Member Rifenberg seconded the motion which passed unanimously.