Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 18, 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 Mr. Jake Dumesnil ABSENT: Ms. Sharon Gariepy Mr. Mark DeFruscio CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JULY 11, 2011 MEETING Vice Chairman Badgley moved to approve the minutes. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil X Sharon Gariepy ABSENT Mark DeFruscio ABSENT CONSIDERATION OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A POOL AT 9 ST AGNES HIGHWAY The applicant proposes installing an above ground pool that meets setback requirements and would discharge water to the street if drained or damaged. Member Carboni moved to approve the pool. Member Dumesnil seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil X Sharon Gariepy ABSENT Mark DeFruscio ABSENT CONSIDERATION OF A REVISED PARKING PLAN FOR 31 ONTARIO STREET Megan Watson of Capital Architecture described the changes to the parking plan for 31 Ontario Street. The developer closed off access to Jackson Avenue from the upper lot and made the lower lot a one way pass through. Only the upper lot – which is 300’ from the intersection – will exit onto Ontario Street. The developer also added drainage and stormwater elements to empty into a catch basin (CB) behind the property on Delaware Avenue since the CB on Ontario Street is a combined sewer (CSO). The City Engineer required the stormwater alteration. Member Carboni verified that the parking spaces meet code. Chairman Moloughney questioned whether the plans now meet the City Engineer’s and Traffic’s requirements, which Melissa Ashline-Heil confirmed. Chairman Moloughney reminded the applicant that the approval is contingent on submission of $20,000 to a community fund in lieu of extension of Jackson Avenue. As a result, Member Dumesnil 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 X Sharon Gariepy ABSENT Mark DeFruscio ABSENT CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A THIRD DOOR FOR GARBAGE STORAGE AT 96 REMSEN STREET Yun Hui Ni proposed installing either a garbage storage unit or a third door on the Ontario Street side of the building for access to a garbage storage area. The door would be between the retail space and Uncle John’s, the neighboring property. Member Dumesnil asked the proposed size of the garbage room and whether the applicant would need to punch another hole in the wall. The applicant confirmed that she would need to create another opening. The room would only hold three garbage cans. Chairman Moloughney reminded the applicant that the original condition proscribed placement of garbage on the sidewalk. He explained that people cannot comfortably walk on the sidewalk if it is blocked off with a storage facility, especially in the winter when icy conditions further limit accessibility. He also expressed concerns about garbage spilling over from the storage unit. Therefore the Board prefers the indoor storage option, which does not require formal approval. Member DeFruscio moved to adjourn at 6:45pm. Vice Chairman Badgley seconded the motion which passed unanimously.