Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD MEETING HELD ON JUNE 10, 2019 AT 6:30 PM IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Mark DeFruscio Vice Chairperson Jack Carroll Mr. Joseph Nadeau Ms. Stephanie Couture ABSENT: Mr. Bob Bucher ALSO PRESENT: Debbie Jacques, Executive Assistant Economic & Community Development CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 13, 2019 MEETING Chairperson Mark DeFruscio called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and asked if any of the Planning Board members had any comments on the proposed minutes from the May meeting. There being no questions, Vice Chairperson Carroll made a motion to approve the minutes, which was seconded by Member Nadeau and the motion 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 A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT AT 70 DELAWARE AVENUE Mr. James Easton from MJ Engineering, representing Prime Companies, LLC, approached the Board and reported that all of the prior technical comments or questions have been addressed. Mr. Easton stated that the 2 apartment buildings will look alike and that the space for the commercial tenant should be close to the rendering but at this time the tenant is not confirmed. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the renderings were very helpful. Member Nadeau asked if the elevation had changed and Mr. Easton stated that there was no real or significant change in the elevation. Mr. Easton further reported that the rooftop mechanical equipment will not be visible as you come over the 112th Bridge from Troy. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the members have all received the technical updates and that the project has been approved already by the Zoning Board and Albany County Planning Board. He asked if anyone had any questions or comments and he opened the floor up to the public. Mr. Randy Koniowka, 6th Ward Council Member, asked to speak. Mr. Koniowka stated that overall the people of the 6th Ward are very excited with the development of the project, especially considering that a big, old oil tank used to be on the site. He further stated that originally he was not on board with the project but after seeing the renderings and having further clarification on some items, he is now in support. Mr. Koniowka stated that he feels this project will be a nice mix of a residential and commercial use with public access to the River. Mr. Koniowka stated that the Common Council passed a resolution for the design work for the park. Being no further questions or comments, Member Couture made a motion to approve the site plan for 70 Delaware Avenue. Vice Chairperson Carroll seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher Absent Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A TWO-FAMILY DWELLING AT 52 PARK AVENUE Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the next item on the agenda was a Special Use Permit for a 2 family dwelling at 52 Park Avenue. Mr. Fred Metzger addressed the board. He stated that he was here on behalf of Mr. LePage who would like to build a 2 family residence on the site. Mr. Metzger stated that a 2 family residence is an allowable use in a R2 District with a special use permit. Mr. Metzger stated that there are no formal drawings yet, if approved then they will go to the Zoning Board. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that he remembers someone trying to build a 2 family home at the same location years ago, but does not recall what happened. Mr. Metzger stated that the project will meet all the setback requirements with 5 feet in the front and 10 feet on the sides and currently there is a paved driveway on the side with a garage in the back. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there were any plans for the existing garage. Mr. Metzger stated that Mr. LePage was planning on fixing the garage for useable space. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that he was concerned about the size of the home not fitting in with the other homes in the neighborhood. Mr. Metzger reported that they are trying to stay within the guidelines for the lot size. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if the front of the building will be on Park Avenue. Mr. Metzger responded “Yes” and that the dwelling will be designed to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. Chairperson DeFruscio asked there were any questions or comments and he opened up the floor. Mr. Randy Koniowka, stated that this section of the Island is referred to as “the other island” because of the lack of investment opportunities in that neighborhood on the north end of the island. He stated that he is very excited with Mr. LePage’s investment project and that he feels this project is a good investment in Cohoes and he hopes that the project gets approved. Chairman DeFruscio stated that the board will be approving a special use permit conditioned upon a two family home with all zoning approvals. Member Nadeau made a motion to approve and 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 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Member Couture made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 pm, which was seconded by Member Nadeau and the motion passed unanimously.