Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON JULY 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 JUNE 13, 2011 MEETING Member Carboni moved to approve the minutes. Vice Chairman Badgley seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A PARKING PLAN AT 76 ADAMS AVE The applicant proposes converting the former convent into four apartments. He submitted a parking plan for eight spaces and a dumpster on the rear property accessible by alleyway. Chairman Moloughney asked if there would be any other changes to the exterior, which the applicant denied. Member Carboni asked if the building had egress on the rear as well we the front, which the applicant confirmed. Member DeFruscio suggested handicapped spaces may be required. Chairman Moloughney recommended creating an accessible parking place on the perpendicular spaces. The applicant agreed to install a handicapped accessible parking space at one of the perpendicular spaces. Member Carboni asked about snow removal. Member DeFruscio pointed out the City plows the alley just enough to pick up garbage. The applicant intends to plow the alley and the parking area, storing snow on the lawn. Member DeFruscio moved to approve the parking site plan conditioned on obtaining a use variance. Vice Chairman Badgley seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A POOL AT 25 MIDDLE STREET The applicant requested approval to install a swimming pool at 25 Middle Street. Chairman Moloughney asked if any building or structure would be damaged if the pool is drained or fails. He further explained the Board is concerned with the direction of water flow. The applicant indicated that his land slopes to the street. Member Gariepy moved to approve the pool. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A PARKING WAIVER FOR AN EXPANSION OF USE AT 96 REMSEN STREET The applicant sought approval for expanding the use of the building. Currently the building is approved through the assessor’s records for one business and one apartment. The applicant proposes dividing the first floor to create a second commercial space and renovating the upstairs to accommodate two apartments. She received a variance from parking conditioned on 1) tenants and employees must park off street; and 2) the owner cannot place garbage on the sidewalk adjacent to Remsen or Ontario Streets. At this time the applicant has approval for two first floor retail units and two upstairs apartments. The Planning Board proposed reiterating the same conditions and adding a third condition: the applicant cannot expand the use any further without prior approval from the appropriate Boards. Member DeFruscio moved to approve the request as conditioned. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A REVISED PARKING PLAN FOR 31 ONTARIO STREET Tony D’Adamo of Capital Architecture did not appear before the Board. Outstanding issues remain for Traffic Commission and the City Engineer. Therefore, the item was tabled until next month. Member DeFruscio moved to adjourn at 7:00pm. Vice Chairman Badgley seconded the motion which passed unanimously.