Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON April 7, 2008 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph Moloughney Vice-Chairman Clarence Badgley Mr. Edward Carboni Mr. Mark DeFruscio Ms. Sharon Gariepy MEMBERS ABSENT: Jake Dumesnil ALSO PRESENT: Ms. Melissa Ashline-Heil, Planner CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 7, 2008 MEETING Chairman Moloughney called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Chairman asked the planner to take attendance call. Chairman Moloughney stated the minutes from the March 7, 2008 minutes were not available. Member Carboni made a motion to table the minutes of the March 7, 2007 meeting Member Gariepy seconded the motion, roll of call was taken and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO Edward Carboni X Joseph Moloughney X Clarence Badgley X Mark DeFruscio X Sharon Gariepy X CONSIDERATION OF SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A PARKING LOT AT 201 COLUMBIA STREET Chairman Moloughney opened the Public Hearing at 6:40PM. The applicant submitted new plans reflecting Traffic Commission recommendations at the beginning of the meeting. Chairman Moloughey indicated that the Board would need more time to review the plans; therefore, no action would be taken on the plans at this meeting. However, the Chairman also indicated that the Board was prepared and willing to discuss the matter with the applicant and anyone from the public who came to speak on the matter. Member Carboni began the questioning. He pointed out the distance from the driveway entrance to the intersection was less than 50’. Section 285-89H requires that driveways not be any closer than 50’ to any intersection of two streets. Here Columbia Street and Masten Avenue intersect. The applicant has only 41’ from the driveway to the intersection. Member Carboni also notified the applicant that the 8’1” parking space width shown on the plans did not meet City Code. Chairman Moloughney asked the applicant how deep the spaces were. The applicant claimed they were 18’ deep, but Chairman Moloughney used the scale and found they were only 16’ deep. The City of Cohoes Zoning Code section 285-89B requires 9’X20’ spaces. The applicant indicated that the Zoning Board of Appeals granted the variance based on these plans; therefore the size was allowable. Members Gariepy and DeFruscio indicated that the Zoning Board does not perform site plan review. Member DeFruscio questioned whether the applicant planned to place lighting in the commercial parking lot as required by Code section 285-89C. The applicant replied that he did not plan on installing lighting since a residential neighborhood surrounds the parking area. Member Gariepy pointed out that low lights, pointed down either on the building or at the edges of the parking lot would not create a glare. In addition, Chairman Moloughney asserted that landscaping prescribed by the Code, such as a 6’ privacy fence or shrubbery, would buffer the lighting for the neighbors. Landscaping is required by the code under section 285-89D. Vice Chairman Badgley asked whether traffic would cross the west bound lane to enter the parking lot. The applicant agreed that both east and west bound traffic would enter the Columbia Street entrance to the parking area. Traffic Commission’s Chairman recommended a one way parking area with the entrance on Columbia Street and the exit on Masten Avenue. Chairman Moloughney indicated that car stops would be necessary per section 285-89E of the City Zoning Code. He also questioned whether the parking lot would remain surface gravel. When the applicant replied “yes,” Chairman Moloughney pointed out that he would need paved surface for a commercial lot. The applicant explained he could not afford to pave the lot right away, but would pave the lot in time. Chairman Moloughney asked what type of time frame he was planning: one, three or five years. The applicant did not give a definite answer, but indicated he would be willing to work with the City. Chairman Moloughney then averred that the slanted spaces in the back of the property next to the dumpster would not work because the space closest to the dumpster blocked ingress and egress. The applicant agreed and indicated he would work it out. Chairman Moloughney also recommended that the handicapped space be moved so that it became the first parking space. The Chairman also questioned whether the applicant intended to place a “No parking here to corner” sign on Columbia Street as shown on Masten Avenue. The applicant indicated parking on Columbia Street’s corner did not pose a problem as few vehicles parked there. Dianne Nolin, Fourth Ward Council Member, recommended the applicant provide a survey of the property. The applicant replied that he had negotiated with the back neighbor that the existing fence was the property line. At that time, a gentleman rose in the audience and claimed that he was the owner of the lot behind 201 Columbia Street. He also asserted that there was no agreement, only discussion. He found that the plans inaccurately reflected the property line and fence placement. Chairman Moloughney stated that the issue was between the neighbors and did not impact the decision before the Planning Board. However, a survey would be recommended. Chairman Moloughney questioned whether two iron pipes on the west side of the property indicated the boundary. The applicant replied the pipes were old and probably inaccurate. Therefore, he would have an accurate survey done and submitted with the updated plans for next meeting. Member DeFruscio made a motion to adjourn at 7:15PM Member Gariepy seconded the motion. YES NO Edward Carboni X Joseph Moloughney X Clarence Badgley X Mark DeFruscio X Ms. Sharon Gariepy X