Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON MARCH 10, 2014 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Edward Carboni Ms. Sharon Gariepy Chairman Joseph Moloughney Vice-Chairman Clarence Badgley Mr. Mark DeFruscio Mr. Jake Dumesnil ALSO PRESENT: Melissa Ashline-Heil, Director of Building and Planning CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 10th, 2013 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 X Sharon Gariepy Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A SUBDIVISION AT 100 NORTH MOHAWK STREET Surveyor Vince Ausfeld presented a minor subdivision of 100 North Mohawk carving a commercial building from the residential structures. He explained that Historic tax credits were not applied to this building, so it has to be subdivided from the rest. Member DeFruscio asked if the subdivision impacts access as the entrance is on the newly subdivided portion. Mr. Ausfeld explained that easements for egress/ingress and utilities are listed on the deeds. Chairman Moloughney summarized that the frontages meet code and the subdivision does not exacerbate any nonconformance. Therefore Vice Chairman Badgley moved to approve the subdivision. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil X Sharon Gariepy Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN AND SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A BAR AND RESTAURANT AT 241 REMSEN STREET Don Russell purchased the property which had been vacant for five years. The space had previously been used as a hair salon and offices for Catholic Charities. Mr. Russell proposes converting the space into a tapas restaurant as well as a beer & wine bar with seating for 32. Mr. Carboni pointed out that the plan submitted reflects 45 seats. However Mr. Russell retained an architect to draw interior plans in response to the City Engineer’s request. Architectural drawings show space for 32 people. Mr. Russell described the space as 1100 sq ft on the first floor and 600 sq ft upstairs. Parking requirements for a bar or tavern is 1 per 100 sq ft of space. The upstairs apartment would require two parking spaces. At this time the property owner lives above the proposed bar space. The property includes four off-street parking spaces behind the building. In addition the building is arguably within 800’ of municipal parking. Chairman Moloughney asked if the applicant had discussed use of the private parking lot across the street. Mr. Russell submitted a signed petition from the immediate neighbors and confirmed that the neighbor permits his customers to park in the private lot for dinner so long as doing so doesn’t interfere with the automotive business. Hours of operation on Thursday 11am to 11pm; Friday and Saturday: 11am to 12am; and Sunday afternoon. All other days the restaurant would be open 4pm to 11pm. The applicant intends to feature piano music most nights and acoustic guitar Sunday afternoons. He would place the performance area by the bar. However, the noise shouldn’t create a nuisance for neighbors. He intends to cater to a small, older crowd. The applicant owned and operated the Irish Mist in Troy for twelve years and found that to be his niche. Since purchasing the property the applicant painted the exterior of the building an historic color. He will submit a sign request to the Historic Board. He intends to use the City’s trash collection as the business will generate mostly recycling. He kept the existing lighting. Moreover he agrees to apply to the board prior to permitting outdoor seating. Therefore, the only other exterior change will be the placement of two planters with shrubs and flowers. Therefore Member moved to conditionally approve the site plan and special use permit on the following: 1. The applicant cannot create outdoor seating without additional review and approval by the Planning Board. 2. The Historic Board must review and approve any proposed signage. 3. Hours of operation are restricted to 11pm most nights and 12midnight only on, Friday and Saturday. Lunch will be served Thursday through Sunday only. Member DeFruscio seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil X Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X Member Carboni moved to adjourn at 7:00pm. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.