Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON APRIL 11, 2011 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph Moloughney Mr. Edward Carboni Vice-Chairman Clarence Badgley Ms. Sharon Gariepy Mr. Mark DeFruscio ABSENT: Mr. Jake Dumesnil CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 10TH, 2011; MARCH 14TH, 2011; AND APRIL 11, 2011 MEETINGS Member Gariepy noted a correction for the April 11, 2011 meeting minutes. In the title the year was mistakenly listed as 2010 instead of 2011. Conditioned on that correction Member Carboni moved to approve the January, March and April minutes. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. CONSIDERATION OF A COMMUNITY ROOM AND PARKING AT 421 COLUMBIA STREET Design Engineer Brett Steenburgh represented the Northeast Eddy’s request for site plan approval of a community room and 12 additional parking spaces on its site. The single story 4200 sq ft Standish Community Center building located between buildings 17 and 15 would serve the residents and their families for special events. An area would be maintained for outdoor activities as well. The 12 parking spaces would serve the training facility located in building 7’s basement. As the first Green House project in the state, the Eddy trains others in Cohoes while developing similar facilities in other municipalities. Currently Northeast Eddy is developing a similar site in Bethelehem. Mr. Steenburgh explained that the existing stormwater systems can handle any additional volume from both projects. The parking spaces will sheet flow into an existing wetland through a filter strip and undeveloped land. Tom McGrath, Planning Board Engineer, is currently reviewing the proposal. Chairman Moloughney emphasized that the Board uses the Green House project as a standard for other commercial proposals adjacent to residential uses. He then asked about the final height of the community building. Architect Valerie Bok described the building as 23’ high with the same scale as the existing structures. She displayed a rendering of the building in response to the Chairman’s request for a color scheme. The building would be brown. Member Carboni asked about parking for the facility. Chairman Moloughney referred to the Zoning Code which authorizes the Board to use discretion for uses not listed (see section 285-88). The project was originally approved as congregate housing, which does not have a specific parking requirement. Davey Caesar of Northeast Eddy explained that the Community Room only serves residents and their families, so no additional cars would come to the site. Architect Valerie Bok pointed out that a traditional hospital contains a gift shop. In fact, the site has a gift shop and the store would only relocate the new community center. Council Representative Diane Nolin asked about the location of the proposed parking spaces, as the plans indicate building numbers that do not match the physical site. She was concerned about any impact to neighboring residents as a result of the parking spaces’ proximity to residential homes. Mr. Steenburgh showed that the parking does not face any residential uses. Member DeFruscio asked about green space requirements. The City’s Zoning Code requires 50% green space. Mr. Steenburgh agreed to run the calculations before next month’s meeting. However, he was confident without running the numbers that the project is still well within the limits. Member Carboni asked about landscaping. Mr. Steenburgh referred to sheet SP2 of the submission which shows the types of plants and the layout. The proposal includes trees, bushes and annuals similar to landscaping throughout the existing facility. Member DeFruscio asked about handicapped accessibility and lighting. Mr. Steenburgh indicated that the entire site is handicapped accessible. In addition, the lighting will match the existing fixtures. Chairman Moloughney explained that as an unlisted SEQR action the board cannot make a determination until the 30 day period expires. In the interim he reminded the engineer to obtain the green space calculations. The City would make a final determination on parking. CONSIDERATION OF A CARPORT AT 1 NIVER STREET David Frazer owns and operates the Pig Pit restaurant at 1 Niver Street. He proposes installing a 20X30 concrete pad covered by a Carolina Carport. The structure would provide shelter for his customers who want to eat outside. It is a metal structure painted to match the principal building. An engineer certified its ability to handle snow load and winds. Member Gariepy asked if the owner serves beer at the restaurant. Mr. Frazer does not serve beer as he does not want the aggravation of it. Member DeFruscio asked about the property lines, which Mr. Frazer described as perfectly outlined by the DOT fence. Chairman Moloughney questioned whether the owner would alter the principal structure. Mr. Frazer explained that the porch and existing principal structure would remain untouched. The concrete pad and carport would be on the other side of the parking lot in the grassy area. Member Gariepy suggested landscaping to soften the appearance of a metal structure on the property. Member DeFruscio asked whether additional parking should be required to accommodate the increase in seating. Mr. Frazer countered that if he purchased picnic tables and a temporary tent structure he could provide the same seating without a planning board review. Therefore, he felt it was inconsistent to require more parking for the given proposal. Chairman Moloughney explained that the Board is trying to be thorough. Although dinner crowds may not create a problem because Zandri’s lot is empty after 5pm, the lunchtime customers may eat onsite more often and cause a traffic problem. The Zoning Board of Appeals can consider another variance for the business. Mr. Frazer has 13 parking spaces now which required a parking variance at the outset. Member Carboni indicated that the code requires 12 -15 parking spaces per 1,000 sq ft depending on turnover. At this time, take out and delivery constitutes 75% of the Pig Pit’s business. Chairman Moloughney reiterated that may change with the availability of outdoor seating. Chairman Moloughney also asked the applicant to provide a conceptual plan that includes the final project: landscaping, lighting and future plans so the Board does not require something that clashes with the applicant’s vision. Mr. Frazer indicated he would like to create a corral by installing split rail fencing. He also would like to install a large, wood sculpture of his logo, the pig, along with an archway entrance to the property. Member Carboni moved to adjourn at 7:30pm. Member DeFruscio seconded and the motion passed unanimously.