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 June 18, 2019 at 6:30 pm MEMBERS PRESENT: Daniele Cherniak, Chairperson Barbara Hildreth, Vice Chairperson Robert Langley Herbert Hyde ABSENT: Thomas Rifenberg ALSO PRESENT: Robyn King, Dep. Dir. of Economic Development and Planning Chairperson Cherniak called the meeting to order at 6:25 pm. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE MAY 21 MEETING Chairperson Cherniak asked if anyone had any questions about the meeting minutes from the May 21, 2019 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 A HANGING SIGN AND WINDOW SIGN AT 301 ONTARIO STREET Mr. David Allen noted that he was interested in installing a hanging sign measuring two feet by three feet outside of his business, Fritz Appliances, located at 301 Ontario Street to increase the attractiveness of his façade. Mr. Allen noted that the sign would just have his logo on it, and the window lettering would be modest. Chairperson Cherniak asked if the color scheme shown in the proofs would be the actual color scheme and Mr. Allen noted it would be. Member Langley noted that he thinks the printer in City Hall distorted the colors a bit as they showed up differently on his computer. Chairperson Cherniak asked how the sign would be affixed to the building, and Mr. Allen noted he would be using the pre-existing brackets already on the building. Member Hyde asked if the sign was double-sided and Mr. Allen confirmed it would be. Chairperson Cherniak asked what material the sign would be, and Mr. Allen noted he was not sure. Member Hyde asked if the lettering would be raised or flat, and Mr. Allen noted it would be flat. Member Hyde asked if there were any other questions, and there being none, Member Hyde made a motion to approve the hanging sign and window lettering for 301 Ontario Street which was seconded by Chairperson Cherniak and the motion passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS AND PAINTING AT 113 REMSEN STREET Mr. Daniel Oh, the building owner noted that he apologized for not approaching the Historic Board ahead of the second floor windows being installed at 113 Remsen Street and acknowledges that in their current state, they do not represent the historic character of the building but they are unfinished. Mr. Oh explained that they dropped the second floor ceiling and as a result cannot extend the windows upward so that they entirely match the third floor windows, however the team working on the building, under guidance from the City, has come up with a solution. Mr. Oh’s contractor presented a simple drawing denoting the new plan for the windows which would be to cap the windows with a material that makes them appear to be the same height as the third floor windows. Chairperson Cherniak asked if the windows would be laid-over and the contractor answered affirmatively. The contractor explained that he was unable to get the same height on the second floor windows due to privacy concerns and fire ratings but that he was planning to install screening material and that once installed it would be difficult to tell the difference between the second floor windows and the third floor windows. The contractor and Mr. Oh noted that the windows would be essentially replaced in-kind with what was on third floor. Mr. Oh explained that the interior has a much more modern feel, but the exterior would retain its historic nature. Member Langley asked about side windows and the contractor noted that it was difficult to cut the side windows but that they had to cut and replace brick and re-stucco the space and add rubberized paint. Vice Chairperson Hildreth asked if the colors presented were what the owner was asking for consideration of to paint the building. Mr. Oh noted he wanted to present two options so that the Board could decide which was more appropriate. Member Langley noted he liked the blue color and Mr. Oh confirmed it was Hale Navy from the Benjamin Moore historic color palette. Chairperson Cherniak commented that brick and navy looks a bit different, and nicer. Member Langley noted he did not like the grey as much, and Mr. Oh pointed out the trim would provide a contrast. Member Hyde asked what was happening with the tile, and Mr. Oh noted that the tile was sloping too much after the Remsen Street reconstruction project and the contractor confirmed that the basement came out too far and they were planning on jackhammering the existing tile and installing the new tile flush to the sidewalk. Member Langley asked if there were any samples, and Mr. Oh noted they have not picked anything out as they wanted to see what the Board thought of the colors for the building before moving forward. Chairperson Cherniak asked if they were planning on changing anything on the exterior of the first floor, and Mr. Oh noted as they have not secured a tenant yet, they do not have any plans. Member Langley asked why the building was squared off and the contractor explained that that feature was rotted plywood at this point as it was just flashing across the metal awning and now it is just exposed brick and the plywood has been removed. Member Hyde asked if there would be an exterior sign, and Mr. Oh noted that there would not be for now, as the only sign is the window sign for Tables and Chairs. The contractor explained the plywood was originally applied to accommodate a sign. Chairperson Cherniak asked if he expected there to be a commercial tenant, and Mr. Oh answered affirmatively. Member Hildreth asked where the entrance was for tenants, and the contractor noted there was a side entrance. Member Hyde asked what kind of tenant Mr. Oh was pursuing and Mr. Oh noted he was open to any kind of tenant. Member Hyde commented that a café would be nice in the building and that there needs to be more space for artists and writers. Chairperson Cherniak asked if there were any other questions, and R. King asked if they were voting on approval for the Hale Navy color scheme. With the clarification that the Board was in agreement on the Hale Navy color scheme, Member Langley made a motion to approve the application for window replacements to mimic the third floor windows, the Hale Navy color scheme as presented, and the tiling on the ground floor entrance and Vice Chairperson Hildreth seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT R. King gave an update on software upgrades in City Hall that may assist with building and planning tracking and also gave updates on other City projects. There being no further business, Chairperson Cherniak made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 pm, which was seconded by Member Langley and the motion passed unanimously.