Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 4, 2006 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph Koval Vice-Chairman Clarence Badgley Mark DeFruscio Ms. Sharon Gariepy Mr. Joseph Moloughney ALSO PRESENT: Ms. Erin Thomas, City Planner Ms. Amy Ryan, Recording Secretary MINUTES Chairman Koval called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. he asked the recording Secretary to call the order of attendance. There were no minutes to approve. 1.) The first item on the agenda: Public Hearing and consideration of a Minor Subdivision Plat entitled, “2Lexington Road—Subdivision of the Lands of Warren J. Sr. & Jeanette Smith—Revised 12/01/06“. Public Hearing was called at 6:42 p.m. Ms. Thomas stated that the plan was approved in July 2004 for a lot line adjustment. All the material indicated the deed was filed that actually adjusted the lot line on the tax map to what the desired lot line. The planning board needs to approve to make it legal. Although the plan was approved in July 2004 it was never filed within the 62 day deadline pursuant to General City Law. Chairman Koval asked if there were any persons who would like to speak in favor of the project. Mr. Redin Griffin(?), an attorney representing the estate of Jeannette Smith, Col. Jake Roberts, resides at 2 Lexington Road and Rolanda family, own lot 8 and the land added to lot 8 in July 2004. They are asking for re-approval so they can file a map with the County Clerk. Chairman Koval asked in there was any one else who wished to speak on the project. There was not. Resolution #7 for 2006 Cohoes Planning Board Resolution of the Cohoes Planning Board Approving the Final Subdivision Plat entitled, “2 Lexington Road—Subdivision of the Lands of Warren J. Sr. & Jeanette Smith—Revised 12/1/06,” SBL#10.14-2-15 & 10.14-2-16 __Sharon Gariepy__________ presented the following Resolution, which was seconded by Mark DeFruscio . WHEREAS, Mr. Ronald Warenda of Clifton Park, County of Saratoga, New York, & Mr. John Robert, of 2 Lexington Road, Cohoes, County of Albany, New York did present for approval pursuant to Section 285-114 of the City Code, an application for approval of the Final Subdivision Plat entitled, “2 Lexington Road—Subdivision of the Lands of Warren J. Sr. & Jeanette Smith—Revised 12/1/06,” City of Cohoes, County of Albany, New York, and WHEREAS, said Planning Board did meet at its offices at Cohoes City Hall, New York, on the 4th day of December, 2006, at 6:30 o'clock P.M., and did then and there hear all persons interested in the subject matter concerning the same, Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the application for approval of the Final Subdivision Plat entitled, “2 Lexington Road—Subdivision of the Lands of Warren J. Sr. & Jeanette Smith—Revised 12/1/06,” City of Cohoes, County of Albany, New York, be and the same is hereby approved as per plans submitted. THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION was put to vote as follows: AYE , Joseph Koval, Chairman AYE , Clarence Badgley, Vice Chairman AYE , Sharon Gariepy AYE , Mark DeFruscio AYE , Joseph Moloughney Non Voting Member , Erin Thomas Resolution was passed. 2.) Second item on the agenda Public Hearing and preliminary site plan review of an expansion to an existing motor vehicle repair shop located at 79 Main Street, submitted by Mr. Tom Brennan. A Public Hearing was called to order at 6:47 p.m. by Chairman Koval. Ms. Thomas stated that proposal for consideration is building a structure to an existing auto repair shop at 76 Main Street. Two structures currently exist on the parcel, one soley for parking, the other overnight parking and repairs. The proposed second building will be a two bay garage for repairs and overnight parking. Two bay door on the front, one rear door and one side door on the north side of the building. Chairman Koval asked if there was anyone present who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. Mr. Tom Brennan, owner of T & T Towing of Cohoes, spoke. Member Gariepy stated that she looked at the property and felt that this proposal would be a great benefit and improvement to the area. Member Moloughney questioned the fact that there would be no water or sewer in the building in regards to fire protection. Mr. Brennan stated that the existing building had water and sewer and facilities in it. The existing building does not have sprinkler protection. Member Gariepy asked if Code Enforcement had looked at the proposal. Ms Thomas stated not at this time. Chairman Koval stated the he did confer with Code and they stated that it is not necessary for water & sewer to be provided to the building, although it must have electricity because it is a detached expansion to an existing facility. The only thing Code pointed out was that with the close proximity of one building to the other there is NYS Fire Code which requires the building to be fire resistant, 0 to 5 feet away, have one set of standards, beyond 5 feet there are others. Mr. Brennan will have to go to Code Enforcement before he builds to be directed as to what the fire code requirements and others issues that arise regarding the issue of building permits. Vice Chairman Badgley asked if the building would be provided. Mr. Brennan stated that there would be. Member DeFruscio asked about the use of the building for off street parking for the company’s larger vehicles. Mr. Brennan stated that that was correct. He would be parking his larger vehicles there. Also he stated that the existing building does meet all fire codes. Chairman Koval stated that Mr. Brennan did provide additional information regarding the overhead door facing the existing building which will provide for the flow of foot traffic between the two buildings. Resolution #8 for 2006 Cohoes Planning Board Resolution of the Cohoes Planning Board for Preliminary Site Plan Approval of an additional building to a commercial site owned by T&T Inc. of NY at 76 Main Street, SBL#10.67-5-8 __Mark DeFruscio__________ presented the following Resolution, which was seconded by Clarence Badgley . WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas Brennan of 74 Main Street, Cohoes, County of Albany, New York did present for approval pursuant to Section 285-124 of the City Code, an application for preliminary approval of an additional building to a commercial site owned by T&T Inc. of NY at 76 Main Street, and WHEREAS, said Planning Board did meet at its offices at Cohoes City Hall, New York, on the 4th day of December, 2006, at 6:30 o'clock P.M., and did then and there hear all persons interested in the subject matter concerning the same, Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the application for preliminary approval of an additional building to a commercial site owned by T&T Inc. of NY at 76 Main Street, Cohoes, County of Albany, New York, be and the same is hereby approved as per plans submitted. THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION was put to vote as follows: AYE , Joseph Koval, Chairman AYE , Clarence Badgley, Vice Chairman AYE , Sharon Gariepy AYE , Mark DeFruscio AYE , Joseph Moloughney Non Voting Member , Erin Thomas Resolution # 8 for 2006 was passed. Public Hearing was closed at 7:54 p.m. 3.) The third item on the agenda Public Hearing and preliminary site plan review of a sign located at the corner of New Cortland Street and Saratoga Street, submitted by Mr. Jeff Myers. Chairman Koval declared the public hearing open at 7:55 p.m. Ms. Thomas stated that the applicant is looking for preliminary site approval from the Planning Board to erect a sign at the corner of New Cortland Street and Saratoga Street. The sign would utilize an existing wall to the south of the parcel which was left by the former owners of the parcel, the Cohoes Savings Bank. Chairman Koval asked of there was anyone present who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. Mr. Jeff Myers, owner of Shelter Enterprises, stated that he would like improve the existing corner. The bank building will be torn down and in an attempt to improve the corner, the unofficial entrance to the city, he would like to put up the sign and also build a clock tower. Not trying to advertise business. Goal is to just improve the corner. Member Gariepy asked if the space behind the sign would be used as a parking lot, possibly for tractor trailers. Mr. Myers stated that it would be used for parking for the employees but not tractor trailers. He also stated that a site plan would be developed. Member DeFruscio inquired about the back of the sign. Mr. Myers stated that there will be a stucco type finish on the back and front. The back side will be a mirror image of the front excluding the signage and the clock. Chairman Koval asked if it is feasible to build on the existing wall. A new sign might be able to be placed so that it could be seen from different angles. Mr. Myers stated that he had not given any thought to it. He stated that they are saving the foundation. He also wants to shield the view of the parked cars in the lot. Vice Chairman Badgley stated that the sign being there will make it easier to identify where they are located. Mr. Myer stated that it will help to identify their location but real goal was to just clean up the corner. Chairman Koval stated with the Board is in the position to give conditional approval. Vice Chairman Badgley asked about the exit to New Cortland in regards to it being removed. Mr. Myers stated that it may be removed because they get a lot of cut through traffic trying to avoid the light. He is concerned about the speed to which the cars are going. Resolution #9 for 2006 Cohoes Planning Board Resolution of the Cohoes Planning Board for Preliminary Site Plan Approval of a sign at New Courtland Street & Saratoga Street, SBL#10.12-2- 2 __Joseph Moloughney__________ presented the following Resolution, which was seconded by Clarence Badgley . WHEREAS, Mr. Jeff Myers of 8 Saratoga Street, Cohoes, County of Albany, New York did present for approval pursuant to Section 285-93 (C) of the City Code, an application for preliminary approval of a sign at the same address, and WHEREAS, said Planning Board did meet at its offices at Cohoes City Hall, New York, on the 4th day of December, 2006, at 6:30 o'clock P.M., and did then and there hear all persons interested in the subject matter concerning the same, Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the application for preliminary approval of a sign at New Courtland Street & Saratoga Street, Cohoes, County of Albany, New York, be and the same is hereby approved as per plans submitted. THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION was put to vote as follows: AYE , Joseph Koval, Chairman AYE , Clarence Badgley, Vice Chairman AYE , Sharon Gariepy AYE , Mark DeFruscio  AYE , Joseph Moloughney Non Voting Member , Erin Thomas Resolution #9 for 2006 passed. Public Hearing was closed at 8:08 p.m. Chairman Koval asked for a motion to end the meeting. Member Gariepy made the motion; Member DeFruscio seconded the motion. All members were in favor.