Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON APRIL 25, 2012 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. Jake Dumesnil ABSENT: Mr. Mark DeFruscio Ms. Sharon Gariepy CONSIDERATION OF A GARAGE SITE PLAN REVIEW AT 625 SARATOGA STREET Chairman Moloughney met on site with the City Engineer, Director of Building and Planning and the Mayor as well as the applicant to get a first hand look at the property and potential issues. At that meeting the property owner agreed to mitigate concerns through a number of measures. Foremost the owner will install gutters that should connect directly to the storm drain. He should also install an engineered culvert that discharges runoff to the stream. Mr. Ed Sokol agreed that the low point is along the fence line. However he also has concerns that a swale or culvert would grow unkempt. Although the multi-family owns the strip of land in the rear of his lot he maintains the land by mowing regularly. If a culvert is too steep he would not be able to fit his mower and the overgrown weeds would create a nuisance. Chairman Moloughney indicated that the requirement for a swale or culvert can be conditioned to require an engineered swale, inspected by the City Engineer, which is maintainable. Mr. Sokol then asked if the strip of land between the structure and 5 Edsel Place would be paved. At this time cars use the lot for parking and headlights glare in through neighbors’ windows. A driveway would mean more vehicles passing close to the neighboring homes. However, that strip of land will remain a grassy area. Member Dumesnil had several concerns about the application. The Board asked the applicant to send a representative which he did not do. The Board asked for updated building specifications that included stormwater, lighting and landscaping which were not submitted. The applicant began construction the morning before the meeting after ordering the structure prior to approval. Chairman Moloughney had discussed those concerns with the owner at the site visit. Mr. Hostig agreed to the items the Board is asking to do. However, the Board has discretion to require either plans or to condition any approval on inclusion of these items. Member Dumesnil added that he doesn’t like the color of the structure and the Board would have been able to select a different product if the applicant followed the process. Chairman Moloughney distinguished between projects such as Dollar General where the Board chose siding color by pointing out that Dollar General was seeking a use variance for a commercial use in a residential zone. This instance involves a use variance for a garage in a commercial zone that abuts an industrial zone. Member Dumesnil agreed that since the foundation is in and the building purchased the Board has a duty to mitigate potential nuisances. Mr. Sokol added that his only concerns include the appearance, the stormwater runoff and the potential for any other undesirable use. He wanted assurance the owner will not rent to an auctioneer. As a result, Vice Chairman Badgley moved to approve the site plan subject to the following conditions: 1. install roof drains plumb into the catch basin; 2. install a swale, engineered by a licensed design professional and inspected by the City Engineer; 3. install landscaping on both Saratoga Street and Edsel Place; and 4. install a garage door on Saratoga Street at least 50’ from the intersection of Edsel Place and on the north side of the building facing the multi-family parking lot. There should not be a door facing Edsel Place. 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 WILLIAM STREET LEAD AGENCY FOR SEQR PURPOSES Vice Chairman Badgley moved to declare intent to act as lead agency for SEQR purposes with regard to the William Street project. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Member Carboni moved to adjourn at 8:00pm. Member Dumesnil seconded the motion which passed unanimously.