Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON MAY 12, 2014 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Edward Carboni Ms. Sharon Gariepy Mr. Mark DeFruscio Vice-Chairman Clarence Badgley ABSENT: Chairman Joseph Moloughney Mr. Jake Dumesnil ALSO PRESENT: Melissa Ashline-Heil, Director of Building and Planning CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 14th, 2013 MEETING Member Carboni moved to approve the minutes contingent on changing the date of the meeting in the title block to read April 14th 2014 and amending the minutes approved as March 10th 2014. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney ABSENT Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A PARKING LOT PLAN AT 55 MOHAWK STREET Mike Schafer presented a proposal to expand an existing parking lot approved for improvements in 2009. The developer removed another portion of the building and proposes installing additional parking in the space. Mr. Schafer also pointed out that he added green islands, catch basins in those islands and trees. Member DeFruscio asked about installing rain gardens. Member Gariepy asked about porous pavement. Mr. Schafer explained that the contractor discovered underground tunnels that were filled with debris. These tunnels would make the land unstable should any water be introduced. Instead the City Engineer has recommended conveying the run-off to an 18” line on the east side of the property. This 18” line discharges to a 30” line that can handle the volume. The other catch basins cannot handle the volume of runoff. Mr. Schafer continued to describe traffic flow as either one way or he could remove a few parking spaces and allow two-way traffic. The Traffic Commission is looking for specifications on the proposed stop signs as well. Member Carboni requested that the final be documented on drawings for the planning board’s files. Member DeFruscio questioned the plan for the “L” shaped area. Mr. Schafer responded that brick veneer would be installed this week with a July 5th completion date. He also suggested that as the plans show the developer would move the dock for ease of deliveries and to reduce the footprint. The transformers would be moved as well. Member Carboni sought a snow storage plan. At this time the maintenance crew pushes it to the back. Member Gariepy suggested hauling it away or dedicating a space that should be documented on the final drawings. Member Carboni asked if lighting would be added to the parking lot. Mr. Schafer agreed that lighting would be added, but that the plan has not been designed yet. Member Gariepy moved to approve as conditioned. Member Carboni seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney ABSENT Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A POOL AT 18 TAYLOR STREET Laura Johnson proposed installing an aboveground pool 25’ and 26’ from side and rear property lines respectively. Member DeFruscio asked the applicant to describe the grading of the backyard. Mrs. Johnson explained the land slopes down to an empty field behind the property. Member DeFruscio asked whether any runoff would impact neighbors should the pool collapse. Mrs. Johnson confirmed that would not damage any neighboring property. Therefore Member DeFruscio moved to approve the special use permit. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney ABSENT Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X Member Carboni moved to adjourn at 8:00pm. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.