Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD HELD IN CITY HALL ON September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Jack Carroll, Vice Chairperson Mr. Joseph Nadeau Ms. Stephanie Couture Mr. Bob Bucher ABSENT: Mark DeFruscio, Chairperson ALSO PRESENT: Robyn King, Dep. Dir. of Economic Development and Planning Sharon Butler, Administrative Assistant Economic Development and Planning Vice Chairperson Carroll called the meeting to order at 6:36 pm. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE JULY 8, 2019 MEETING Vice Chairperson Carroll asked if anyone had any questions about the meeting minute from the July 8, 2019, meeting. With no questions, Member Couture made a motion to approve the minutes, which Member Bucher seconded and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio Absent Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF SEQR FOR A SITE PLAN FOR A MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH SEVEN DWELLING UNITS AT 69-75 EGBERT ST. CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN FOR A MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH SEVEN DWELLING UNITS AT 69-75 EGBERT ST. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked the applicant Scott Boisvert to approach the board. Planner Robyn King explained that the board was only voting on the consideration of the City of Cohoes Planning Board to declare intent to be Lead Agency in the SEQR review. Robyn King explained to the applicant the overall Planning and Zoning process for the project and clarified that the Board would just be opening the environmental review at this meeting Member Nadeau asked if there is a site plan. Mr. Boisvert said he dropped off 10 sets as requested, Ms. King then handed out the copies of the Preliminary Plans. Member Nadeau asked where the building would be located on the lot. Ms. King responded that it would be fronting Egbert St. Member Bucher asked about the elevation, asked how the house will sit on the hillside. Mr. Boisvert approached and showed him on the plans. Member Bucher again asked about the elevations, not renderings, not site plan but actual elevation. Mr. Boisvert said he would have to have his architect respond to that question. Member Bucher asked about the retaining walls as the plan only shows one. Mr. Boisvert approached again to look at the drawing, and said he would have architect respond. Member Bucher asked about drainage, as there is no storm water plan. Member Bucher asked if there would be trench drains at garage doors. Mr. Boisvert said he didn’t think they were necessary. Member Bucher asked about hard rains the water would go towards garage doors. Mr. Boisvert said water would drain to east and south. Vice Chairperson Carroll told Mr. Boisvert that Egbert St runs East and West so the water drainage wouldn’t go in the direction Mr. Boisvert indicated. Member Bucher asked about drainage from roofs—that the water would go towards garages. Mr. Boisvert said it wouldn’t go towards garages. Member Bucher had Mr. Boisvert approach again to show him on the drawings. Member Bucher told Mr. Boisvert that the plans need to be updated to show where the rain water will go from the roof. Member Nadeau asked Mr. Boisvert how he planned on doing maintenance on the property with only 2’ buffer. Mr. Boisvert said he owns lot on one side, City owns on the backside, so he doesn’t see issue with maintenance. Member Nadeau asked about parking, where are the 10 spots? Mr. Boisvert approached to show the parking. There was a discussion about on street parking, parking in garages, and on proposed property. Ms. King said she would check the code on parking to be sure compliance is met. Member Nadeau and Member Bucher told Mr. Boisvert that he needed to submit plans for storm water drainage, lighting plan, elevations and retaining walls. Member Bucher said they will re-review plans once all items are submitted. Ms. King then suggested to Mr. Boisvert that because he would need variance(s) from Zoning Board, it may be good idea to go in front of them to see what they would want in order to avoid any delays in approvals. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked if there’s a motion for the Planning Board’s intent to declare lead agency for the SEQR. Motion made by member Nadeau 2nd by member Couture and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio Absent Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF DEQR FOR A RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION WITH THE TWO LOTS AT 181 MANOR AVENUE. CONSIDERATION OF A RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION WITH TWO LOTS AT 181 MANOR AVENUE. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked the applicant Mr. Raucci to approach. Member Nadeau asked about the zoning of the area. Mr. King replied it is R-1, the 1st lot is approximately 15,000 sq. ft. the 2nd lot is less than 10,000 sq. ft. that is where variance is needed of 1,000+ sq. ft. Mr. Raucci showed how a single family home could be built on the lot that would meet all setbacks. Ms. King stated that per State Law the Board is only voting on declaring lead agency in SEQR. Member Boucher asked about curb cut, can driveway be on Middle St. as there aren’t curbs there? Ms. King responded that even though there isn’t technically curb there, the Traffic Commission has to approve it. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked if there was a motion to declare the Planning Board’s intent as Lead Agency for SEQR. Motion made by member Couture 2nd by Member Nadeau and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio Absent Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN FOR A RETAIL OPERATION (DELI) AT 326 ONTARIO ST. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked the applicant Mr. Nagi to approach. Member Nadeau asked what Mr. Nagi plans on doing at the site. Mr. Nagi responded that he plans on operating a deli. Ms. King told board in the packet was sign drawing and floor plan for their review. Member Nadeau asked how many businesses would be in the building and how many parking spaces there are. Mr. Nagi responded that it would only be his business. Ms. King told the Planning Board it was up to them to exempt off street parking, as there is plenty of parking in the area especially on street parking by Mosaic. Member Nadeau asked if the sign meets the requirements. Ms. King responded that it did and it is not a lighted sign. Member Boucher asked if customers would just be going in and out, no sit down customers. Mr. Nagi said no sit down. Member Nadeau asked about outside seating if Mr. Nagi is considering doing that what would he have to do. Ms. King said the City does not currently have a Café permit but will have one in the future but Mr. Nagi would have to come back to the board with his plan for another approval, because outside seating would have to meet ADA requirements and have to make sure tables and chairs do not impede the pedestrian walkway. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked if there were any other questions for Mr. Nagi, being none a motion was made by member Boucher to approve the final site plan review for 326 Ontario St. for retail operation 2nd by Member Nadeau and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio Absent Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X Ms. King reminded Mr. Nagi that he would have to get a building permit for any renovations, and have code come in to do inspection to get his C/O. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Member Bucher made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 pm, which was 2nd by Member Couture and the motion passed unanimously.