Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 27, 2012 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice-Chairman Clarence Badgley Mr. Edward Carboni Chairman Joseph Moloughney Mr. Mark DeFruscio Mr. Jake Dumesnil ABSENT: Ms. Sharon Gariepy CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JULY 30th, 2012 MEETING Member DeFruscio 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 Non-Voting Sharon Gariepy ABSENT Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A MULTI_FAMILY DEVELOPMENT AT WILLIAMS STREET Design engineer Tom Andress described the stormwater requirements from DEC as related to the instant proposal. Originally the project had two basins: a sand filter and a dry basin. Since then DEC added infiltration requirements and minimum runoff reduction volumes based on existing runoff prior to construction. However, clay poses a challenge for infiltration and most methods don’t work – especially for a large area such as the 26 acres of the subject property. Therefore the applicant proposes 3.6’ deep bioretention swales with organic material – sandy loam – for penetration. Sediments would settle at the initial stage of the stormwater system, and then the remainder would be piped to a dry retention basin with controlled release of the stormwater. The total flow now is 20 cfs (cubic feet per second); after the project the system exceeds DEC requirements with 15 cfs. At the last Planning Board meeting neighbors were concerned primarily with traffic and water/sewer usage. Since then the applicant hired Greenman Petersen (GP) to conduct a Traffic Study. Results were submitted to the Board in the interim. GP found no significant impact to Manor Avenue. Mr. Andress found that two cars were never stacked at the intersection of William St and Manor Ave. The design team also provided an updated study of the existing water/sewer flows as well as the potential impact from the project. Member Carboni asked if the developer settled the easement across Cohoes Housing Authority lands. Larry Regan confirmed that was the case. The two parties agreed to a price, but HUD has to approve of the agreement before it can be filed. Mr. Andress also addressed the ravine. Neighbors and Board members had asked for a fence for safety reasons. The applicant proposes installing a 4’ fence 10’ from the road side and around the basins to block access to the ravines. Chairman Moloughney requested a reduction in parking spaces. The Code requires 144 for the project while the applicant proposes 165. Mr. Andress explained that some spaces should remain available for those visiting the community room facilities: library, laundry, etc. He agreed to bank 20 spaces to reduce the number. Member DeFruscio questioned the amount of green space. Mr. Andress pointed out that of the 26 acres only 4 acres are proposed for development. The remainder would go to a conservation easement to benefit a nonprofit. Along the developed portion the applicant retains several green areas. Member DeFruscio questioned the lighting. Mr. Regan intends to install LED lights at the development as well as an additional 3-4 on Cohoes Housing Authority property. Member DeFruscio also asked about snow storage. Mr. Andress described the area beyond the 4’ fence to the ravine as more than adequate for snow storage. Chairman Moloughney asked about installing a sidewalk for residents who will rely on public transportation. Mr. Regan agreed to install a sidewalk. Mr. Andress added that the 10’ distance between the road and fence is more than adequate for a sidewalk. April Kennedy, First Ward Council Representative, has concerns about adding new construction in an area permeated with existing residential homes. New construction impacts the livability and quality of life for current residents especially in an area served by aging infrastructure. She reiterated concerns about the traffic impacts on Manor Avenue. Mr. Andress countered that the developer is investing in straightening out Williams Street and widening the exit to include a turn lane to extend the infrastructure, make site distance safer and accommodate the increase in traffic on Williams Street. However, the Traffic Study does not show a need for capital improvements to Manor Avenue. Ms. Kennedy asked what would necessitate improvements to Manor Avenue. Mr. Andress explained that stacking of vehicles or a high volume of traffic would require installation of either new traffic signals, widening or straightening of roads, turn lanes, etc. As a result, Member DeFruscio moved to approve the site plan conditioned on the following: 1. Planning Board Review Engineer approval; 2. Banking 20 parking spaces; 3. Installing sidewalks; and 4. Finalizing the contract with Cohoes Housing Authority. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil Non-Voting Sharon Gariepy ABSENT Mark DeFruscio X Member DeFruscio moved to adjourn at 7:30pm. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously.