Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 10, 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 Ms. Sharon Gariepy ABSENT: Mr. Jake Dumesnil CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 27th, 2012 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 Non-Voting Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AT 480 COLUMBIA STREET Chuck Marshall represented Stewarts’ request for site plan approval of a new building and a neighboring carwash operated by Mike Alonzo. Mr. Marshall explained that the existing store would remain open during construction of the new facility. After completion Stewarts would demolish the existing store and construct a larger gas bay. At the same time, Mr. Alonzo would construct a three bay carwash with a standalone vacuum. The proposal rectifies several issues with the site. First, the curb cut will match the CVS entrance across Columbia Street. Second, Stewarts will install a sidewalk along Columbia Street in deference to the City’s long term plans for the Western Gateway corridor. Third, Stormwater will be treated underground, eliminating the need for a detention pond on site. Finally, the contiguous buildings and landscaping will share not only exterior finishes, but the same lighting, exterior fencing and flowers, trees and shrubs. Elevations were provided in the packets showing the same beige stone with white columns and wainscoting along the bottom of the exterior walls. Member Carboni asked if Stewarts would install a sidewalk on Monroe Street. Mr. Marshall indicated that would be possible if required by the Board and neighbors. He pointed out that the Columbia Street sidewalk would be the only one at this time; however it serves those interested in walking to the store or catching the bus. Mr. Marshall also explained the new traffic configuration created to facilitate deliveries to the store. Most store deliveries last 45 minutes. Separate deliveries are made by companies such as Pepsi, Frito Lay and other name brands. The new layout permits trucks to pull in to the rear of the store, continue to drive around the building to exit rather than backing up. This is safer and more efficient than the current configuration. Mr. Marshall also showed the Board a diagram of the sounds created by the proposed carwash with the vacuum on and the bay doors open. After review the proposal was amended to place the vacuum on the west end of the property rather than the south end. As a result the vacuum will sound like a regular conversation to neighbors adjacent to the project. Member Carboni asked about the style of lighting. Mr. Marshall described the lights as six freestanding poles with downcast LED lights shown on sheet 2 of the plans. Stewarts replaced the rear light with a similar product in response to a neighbor’s complaint that the light shone into his home. Member Carboni asked about the display prices on the canopy. He wanted to see a sign plan with the proposal. Mr. Marshall thought the sign information was included on the site details, but agreed to ensure that the submission reflects a clear sign plan. Stewarts would place gas prices on the canopy just like the existing signage. The carwash would have a non-illuminated monument sign which would also be submitted for next month’s meeting. Chairman Moloughney had several comments and requests concerning the project. First he appreciated that the applicant shortened the St Agnes Highway entrance by 14’ to prevent vehicles from traveling against traffic in crossing St Agnes Highway to enter the south bound lane. Second, he pointed out that the Cohoes Code provides specific decibel limitations. He asked that the applicant address these limitations and provide some certification that the proposal will meet the code. If the project cannot meet the decibel levels he would like to know how the applicant proposes mitigating the noise level. Third he is looking for a subdivision approval and use variance on the project as well. Finally he questioned the consequence of selling off the businesses separately in the future. Mr. Marshall agreed to provide more detailed decibel information. He used operating specs to determine decibels for this meeting. However, he wasn’t certain what “certification” is required by the code. Chairman Molougney conceded that the code is vague; he asked that the applicant certify either that the decibel levels will meet the code or that specific mitigation efforts will reduce the impact on neighboring properties. Mr. Marshall also indicated that the project will include stormwater easements that will preserve the cooperative nature of the project even if the parcels are sold off. Chairman Moloughney added that the stormwater maintenance agreement should also be filed. Member Carboni asked the proposed hours of operation for the carwash. Mr. Marshall replied that the carwash would be open from 6am to 12midnight. Stewarts operates from 4:30am to midnight. Chairman Moloughneu explained that the Planning Board can only declare an intent to act as lead agency due to SEQR regulations. However, he opened the floor to public comment in order to facilitate dialogue and feedback. Next meeting the Planning Board can declare lead agency and take a hard look at the SEQR issues. Then the Board can make a determination of significance. Once SEQR closes the Boards can take action on the use variance, subdivision and site plan review. Joella Timberland of 6 Wilson Lane threatened to sell her home and move out of Cohoes if the carwash is approved. She is not appeased by the new vacuum placement as it is still near her property. She also asked about the noise nuisance of the carwash bays. Mr. Marshall explained that the vacuum is 15’ to the closest decibel reading, making the noise equivalent to that of a conversation to backyard neighbors. Mr. Marshall avers that the vacuums are the noisiest part of the project. The garage bays with the doors open are 40’ to closest decibel reading. Mrs. Timberland countered that the applicant has not considered the noise made by a queue of cars with radios blasting. Mr. Marshall explained that trucks passing on Columbia Street make more noise. The carwash and vacuum last approximately 2-5 minutes maximum. He also argues that the buildings will make a nicer gateway than the existing vacant lot which is adjacent to mostly commercial uses. Chairman Moloughney added that no development has zero impact. The Planning Board works at reducing the impact. However, the property in this instance is most likely going to contain a commercial use. The expense of managing the property and its location make it undesirable for a residential home. Charles Alonge appreciates Stewart’s responsiveness, but still does not approve of the carwash plan. He wants more greenery along the back to buffer neighbors. Mr. Alonge asked that the applicant provide a buffer of trees along the rear of the property. He also asked what fence is proposed along the rear property line. Mr. Marshall described a continuation of the existing 6’ wood stockade current buffering Stewarts. Mr. Alonge recalled that a previous approved project at that site promised an 8’ privacy fence which would be preferable. Chairman Moloughney added that doing so would require a variance, but would be wise if it assuages neighbors’ concerns. Mr. Alonge also pointed out that the delivery trucks are the largest contributor to noise nuisance at this time. He questioned whether the garage doors on the carwash would make the same noise as a delivery truck closing its back door. Mr. Alonzo described the carwash doors as vinyl and plastic that rolls up and shuts quietly. Common Council Representative Diane Nolin commented that the Stewarts redevelopment is a definite improvement to the St Agnes Highway entrance and the aesthetics of that corridor. However, at the applicant’s suggestion she visited the Waterford carwash and was shocked by the conditions. The building is in disrepair and the property is strewn with litter. As a result, she sees the carwash proposal as a detriment to the neighborhood. Mr. Carboni asked if the Waterford facility has a gas station, which Mr. Alonzo confirmed. Member DeFruscio asked when that facility was built. Mr. Alonzo replied that it was built in 1980 and is due for a siding replacement which is scheduled for next year. Member Carboni asked about the presence of property maintenance staff on the site. Mr. Alonzo explained that he employs two property managers. Each site is visited twice a day for property maintenance. Member Gariepy moved to approve the Planning Board’s intent to act as lead agency. 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 X Mark DeFruscio X Member DeFruscio moved to adjourn at 7:30pm. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously.