Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON JUNE 9, 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 Chairman Joseph Moloughney ABSENT: Mr. Jake Dumesnil ALSO PRESENT: Melissa Ashline-Heil, Director of Building and Planning CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 12th, 2013 MEETING Member DeFruscio moved to approve the minutes. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A SUBDIVISION AT 99 WESTERN AVENUE Fred Metzger represented owner Nancy Peck in the potential subdivision of property at 99 Western Avenue. The property extends along the north and south side of Western Avenue. Nancy Peck subdivided the north side and seeks permission to subdivide land located on the south side of Western Avenue. She proposes a four lot subdivision with 180’ minimum frontage for each lot as well as a minimum of 2 acres per lot. These dimensions exceed the zoning code requirement for the land conservation district for the intended use as single family homes. Mr. Metzger explained that the properties can easily access the City’s water line. Access to a sewer line may require an easement. Mr. Metzger mentioned the possibility of connecting to the line created by the Lexington Hills developer. Bill Hoblock happened to be in attendance and the two exchanged contact information. That section of sewer line will be dedicated to the City pending final inspections. The force line main will extend to James Ahearn’s property on the north side of Western Avenue. Ms. Peck added that her son Scott Gilligan lives on the north side and would be willing to provide an easement for sewer access. Chairman Moloughney reviewed the zoning code regarding whether the subdivision applicant had to provide proof of an easement during subdivision approval. The zoning code §285-121H(4)(a) requires specifications on water supply connections. However, §285-121H(5)(a) only requires that sewer lines be reasonably accessible. Since the proposal dimensions and specifications meet code the applicant is encouraged to formally apply for the July 23rd meeting. CONSIDERATION OF A SUBDIVISION AT LEXINGTON HILLS Bill Hoblock requested subdivision of lands at 20.06-1-1 to carve out the phase I construction parameters as approved for financing. Member DeFruscio asked the specifics for phase I. Phase I construction will result in 14 buildings including 138 residential units and the clubhouse. Nine buildings are 10-plexes while another four are 12-plexes. The same product is under construction in Halfmoon at the Kensington development off Stone Quarry Road. Member Carboni questioned the clubhouse amenities. Mr. Hoblock described a 12 seat movie theater, fitness center, pilates/yoga room, great room with fireplace, café, billiards room and pool. Chairman Moloughney found the proposal consistent with the PDD. Therefore Member DeFruscio 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 ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X CONSIDERATION OF A POOL AT 19 RIVER STREET Carl Jourdanais requested a special use permit for his pool at 19 River Street. He purchased the home with a pool in the exact location. However, Hurricane Irene damaged that pool. As a result he purchased a 16’ round above ground replacement which Code Enforcement recently notified him needed a special use permit. Mr. Jourdanais added that he has corner drainage at a catch basin in the street. The property is on a corner with no neighbors abutting the pool. Furthermore, the lot drains to the recently upgraded catch basin and sheet drains to the river. Member DeFruscio asked about the other structure shown in the submitted photograph. Mr. Jourdanais installed a hot tub on the property. Mr. Jourdanais added that the tub holds 3,000 gallons of water and wouldn’t impact the property or surrounding area. The Board questioned whether the hot tub would need a special use permit, which the City Planner did not perceive as required under the code. The NYS Uniform Code defines a pool as 24” of water. However the City Code does not specify whether a hot tub is considered a swimming pool for approval purposes. Chairman Moloughney indicated that any approval would be contingent on receipt of an area variance from side setbacks as the pool sits 1.5’ from the side property line. Therefore, Member Carboni moved to approve the special use permit contingent on receipt of an 8.5’ area variance from side setbacks. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Joseph Moloughney X Leo Badgley X Edward Carboni X Jake Dumesnil ABSENT Sharon Gariepy X Mark DeFruscio X Member Carboni moved to adjourn at 7:00pm. Member Gariepy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.