Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON September 11h, 2017 AT 6:30 P.M. IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mark DeFruscio Vice Chairman Jack Carroll Mr. Bob Bucher Ms. Stephanie Couture Mr. Joseph Nedeau ALSO PRESENT: Kara McKnight, City Planner CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 14TH, 2017 MEETING Chairman DeFruscio opened the meeting at 6:30pm and the recording secretary to take roll call. Member Carroll moved to approve the minutes. Member Nadeau seconded the motion which passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR COMMUNTIY BUILDERS Representatives from the LA Group, 3T Architects and TCB were present for the meeting and opened the meeting by explaining what TCB’s plans were for the downtown revitalization proposal. Bob Kernan explained that the idea is to construct new multi-family and single family units throughout Cohoes. The residential dwellings will be developed on existing vacant lots, parcels with vacant buildings and parking lots. All existing vacant buildings will be completely replaced with new structures. There is currently no utility information for the parcels since it is only in its conceptual stage, however the group is currently talking with the city engineer about it. The Board had strong concerns about the limited parking space that the plan is proposing to incorporate. The Cohoes Zoning Code calls for two parking spaces per residential unit but TCB’s plans show a shortage in parking spaces. Their reasoning for the lack of parking spaces is based on the fact that their homes cater to a demographic that typically don’t own the average number of cars per family. TCB will be attending a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting to seek a variance for a reduction in the number of spaces. Member Couture had a few questions for the presenters: Are there any examples of this type of model in other cities? John Draper replied that there are other models such as The Cohoes Falls project coupled with projects in Schenectady that they’re working on now. They also have projects that are nearly 10 years old so you can see how they are doing in the future. Are there any issues with them being occupied? Draper stated that there is not a problem when populating the new homes. Typically when you put new buildings in an old neighborhood there is a lot of pride that comes out of it. How are they maintained once they are built? TCB owns the properties so they hire people to maintain them. When will the project begin? It depends on funding. They are waiting to hear back from granting agencies now. How will neighboring units be handled in regards to upkeep? That’s a City Code issue and considering the code is being reevaluated there is no definite answer. It is assumed that when existing owners see new buildings go up they will also want their units to look up to par. Member Bucher is interested in seeing how the elevation will be handed at one of the sites but more information will be provided at the next PB meeting. Member Carroll motions the approval for the Planning Board to take lead agency on the project and Member Couture seconds the motion. All are in favor and the motion is approved. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR 2 MOHAWK STREET Chad Dehmler is proposing to upgrade the three buildings (+garage) at 2 Mohawk Street in order to turn it into and owner occupied boarding house. He explains that he will live there with his family to take care of the property, which will be converted into hostels for young professionals who enjoy walkable communities. The location will provide a well-lit, monitored and green atmosphere that will provide a feeling of safety for its residents. The garage will be equipped with EV charging stations in order to encourage the use of electric vehicles among residents. Member Couture asked if the buildings will contain certain types of living to which Chad replied that that they will. He would live upstairs in one unit and build offices on the lower level. The next building will be shared living for young professionals. Member DeFruscio asked if the office units will be used as a permanent office for one company or if it will provide space to be rented on a timely basis by different users. Chad is open to either option but it depends on what the ZBA recommends. Member Bucher states that he welcomes the plan and is excited for new ideas. The Board does not make a vote at this time but they are all open to the proposal. Member Couture motions to close the meeting and Member Nadeau seconds it. All are in favor and the meeting is adjourned at 7:45pm.