Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 2012 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Joseph Moloughney Mr. Edward Carboni Mr. Mark DeFruscio Ms. Sharon Gariepy ABSENT: Mr. Jake Dumesnil Vice-Chairman Clarence Badgley CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 12, 2011 MEETING Member Carboni moved to approve the minutes from the December 12, 2011 meeting. Member DeFruscio seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley ABSENT Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil Non-voting Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF SITE PLAN APPROVAL OF 65-71 CANVASS STREET Paul Bonacquisti owns a four story brick building at 65-71 Canvass Street which he proposes converting to an apartment building. He received a variance to construct 20 apartments in the structure. His initial proposal included an addition for the stairs and elevator. However, by removing the addition and absorbing the stairs and elevator into the existing building Mr. Bonacquisti is able to construct more on-site parking spaces. In total there will be 16 onsite parking spaces. The architect for the project, Dan Sanders, added that the alteration does not affect the number of units, but does shrink the unit size. Although smaller units the rentals are still market rate. Mr. Bonacquisti explained that he proposes 5 two bedroom units; 14 one bedroom units and 1 studio apartment with a loft in the current proposal. Chairman Moloughney asked that the applicant create one handicap accessible parking space in the northeast corner of the Little Keveny lot. Mr. Sanders agreed to do so with the understanding it will absorb one of the parking spaces. Currently the proposal is two parking spaces shy of the Cohoes local code requirement. Chairman Moloughney emphasized that the adequate onstreet parking and the future possibility of a paved lot on the former Keveny site more than compensates for the deficiency. As a result, Member Carboni moved to grant final approval as conditioned. Member DeFruscio seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley ABSENT Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil Non-voting Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR CAPTAIN’S LOOKOUT Project Manager Terry Field and Attorney Peter Lynch represented the developer of a multi-family project known as Captain’s Lookout and proposed for property on Delaware Avenue. Mr. Lynch reminded the board that the last amended approval took place in 2007 to subdivide the property into nine lots. At that time the proposal was for five buildings with 140 units and each unit was approximately 2,000 sq ft with a market value of about $400,000. Given the current economic conditions sale of that size unit is no longer feasible. Therefore, the developer decided to downsize to one hundred and forty 1300 sq ft units spread throughout four buildings. The number of units and parking spaces – 299 - remain the same. Chairman Moloughney asked about the clubhouse in the previous proposal. Mr. Field explained that the clubhouse would be in the 3rd building from the right on the first floor with large windows overlooking the river. Member DeFruscio asked whether the parking lot would be constructed first since the original proposal included extra spaces to accommodate the Van Schaick Mansion as well as the recreational trail along Delaware Avenue and the River. Mr. Field agreed the parking lot would be built first. Mr. Lynch added that the stormwater basin is on the north end. Although the developer has not set a construction schedule the Board could require construction of the parking lot first as a condition of approval. Mr. Field explained that each building has ground floor indoor parking in the basement level. He also emphasized that the additional spaces are still available for the public. Chairman Moloughney asked about the stormwater capacity. Mr. Field recalled that the engineer intentionally built an over-sized stormwater facility. In addition, the proposal is otherwise unchanged. The amount of green space, anticipated runoff and capacity remain the same. Randy Koniowka asked the size of the buildings, the façade materials and style as the footprint appears modern. Mr. Field described the buildings as a ground floor parking level with four stories of residential units. Although the footprint is in a zigzag – mostly to maximize views of the river for all occupants – the buildings will be New England traditional style with some brick facing as well as siding. Chairman Moloughney and Mr. Lynch recalled that the elevations were approved by the Common Council as part of the Planned Development District (PDD). Mr. Koniowka expressed concerns about an increase in traffic resulting from the development. He asked if the developer would still install the traffic light promised in an earlier approval. Mr. Field confirmed that the developer would still install a traffic light on the intersection of Ontario Street and Delaware Avenue. Chairman Moloughney stated that all prior conditions would remain in full effect. Member DeFruscio moved to approve the amended site plan as conditioned. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley ABSENT Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil Non-voting Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X Member Carboni moved to adjourn at 7:00pm. Member DeFruscio seconded the motion which passed unanimously.