Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 8, 2016 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Joseph Nadeau Ms. Stephanie Couture Vice Chairman Jack Carroll Chairman Mark DeFruscio ABSENT: Mr. Bob Bucher ALSO PRESENT: Melissa Cherubino, Director of Building and Planning CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JULY 11th, 2016 MEETING Chairman opened the meeting at 6:30pm and asked the recording secretary to take roll call. Vice Chairman Carroll moved to approve the minutes. Member Nadeau seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher ABSENT Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF A POOL AT 154 MANOR AVENUE The applicant John Powers requested approval to install a 15’X30’ oval above-ground pool in the backyard. The proposed location exceeds setbacks as the lot measures 100’ width by over 400’ depth on the .86 acre lot. However, the applicant’s drawing does not accurately document the specific setbacks and the Board requests he submit the same. Chairman DeFruscio asked about drainage. The applicant explained that the location is a bowl where water collects from neighboring properties. In fact, neighbor’s downspouts discharge to the property. As a result the pool will drain in place and to the rear of the property which slopes down. Board members had reviewed the tax map and visited the site. Chairman DeFruscio pointed out that the tax map appears to flip the 152 and 154 Manor Avenue properties. However, records do confirm that the instant property meets the dimensions described above. Therefore, Vice Chairman Carroll moved to approve the special use permit conditioned on receipt of an accurate and detailed drawing. Member Couture seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher ABSENT Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF A POOL AT 155 MASTEN AVENUE David Jarosz requested permission to install a 24’ round above ground pool in the backyard of 155 Masten Avenue. The lot measures 75’X110’, leaving sufficient space to meet all required setbacks. The pool is proposed behind the garage at the lowest part of the yard. Furthermore the applicant installed a French drain which drains to the front. Member Nadeau moved to approve the pool. Member Couture seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher ABSENT Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN FOR 134 REMSEN STREET Engineer Luigi Paleschi of ABD and Architect Michael Roman of C2 Architecture, represented developer Paul Bonacquisti for the proposed renovation of the Cohoes Hotel at 134 Remsen Street into six apartments and adding new construction containing 21 units. The existing structure will require repointing of brick, new windows, and a new roof. The Courtyard will become a brick- lined walkway from Remsen Street to the new and existing buildings. The proposal includes new construction along Main Street to White Street of a 21 unit apartment house separate from the Cohoes Hotel. The new structure is a three story hardy board clad multi- family with a brick-faced tower and a black aluminum fence on the corner of White and Main Streets. Two entrances on Main Street are set apart by bump outs. The proposal is mostly comprised of one bedroom market rate apartments ranging from 930-1200 SF. A fitness center and roof garden in the center tower will provide recreation space to tenants of both buildings. Trash will be stored inside the building. The new structure also provides an area for bike storage. The developer proposes installing several green infrastructure practices including a green roof, permeable pavers and landscaping. Member Nadeau questioned the use of municipal parking by several developments. However, this project is also within 500’ of Remsen Street municipal lots. In addition, the City is considering the creation of parking as part of a streetscape upgrade grant. At the last meeting Chairman DeFruscio requested an updated site plan. Mr. Paleschi added details to the site plan regarding snow removal at 4”, landscaping specifics, garbage-removal from the interior storage and building footprint. Members wanted confirmation that the proposed sidewalk between the Black Cat and new construction meets State Code. Member Couture moved to approve the project subject to historic board approval. Vice Chairman Carroll seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher ABSENT Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X Member Couture moved to adjourn at 7:15pm. Member Nadeau seconded the motion which passed unanimously.