Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD HELD IN CITY HALL ON October 21, 2019 at 6:30PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Mark DeFruscio, Chairperson Mr. Jack Carroll, Vice Chairperson Mr. Joseph Nadeau Mr. Bob Bucher ABSENT: Ms. Stephanie Couture ALSO PRESENT: Sharon Butler, Administrative Assistant Economic Development and Planning Chairperson DeFruscio called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 MEETING Chairperson DeFruscio asked if anyone had any questions about the meeting minute from the September 9, 2019, meeting. With no questions, Vice Chairperson Carroll made a motion to approve the minutes, which Member Nadeau seconded and the motion carried unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture Absent CONSIDERATION OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A HOME OCCUPATION AT 135 WESTERN AVENUE. Chairperson DeFruscio asked the applicant Regina Phillips to approach to explain her proposal. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if this was Ms. Phillips primary residence which she responded it is. Chairperson DeFruscio asked Ms. Phillips to explain what the home occupation would be. Ms. Phillips explained that she does taxes for several clients and tax returns 3 months out of the year. She has a location now on Mohawk Street but with late nights, she is looking to do most of the business in her garage at her residence. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if it would be one of the garage stalls. Ms. Phillips responded yes. Ms. Phillips also explained that 9 months out of the year she goes to clients homes/businesses. She also stated that her driveway can hold 14-15 cars, but at no time would there be that many as people just drop things off to her. Chairperson DeFruscio asked Ms. Phillips if she came before them prior about a different location. Ms. Phillips said yes, but that location didn’t work out because of no parking available when clients would come to drop off things or need to meet with her. Member Nadeau asked if Ms. Phillips has any employees. Ms. Phillips responded that she has a friend help her at tax season. Member Nadeau then went through the criteria to meet the requirements of a Home Occupation and stated that Ms. Phillips does meet all the criteria. Chairperson DeFruscio then open it up to public comment or questions. With no one approaching, Chairperson DeFruscio asked for a motion to approve the Special Use Permit for a Home Occupation at 135 Western Ave. with the understanding to the applicant that should this seasonal home occupation become a permanent location or if traffic increases then she would need to come back in front of the Planning Commission. Ms. Phillips did state that at some point she was looking to make it her permanent location and she would at that time re appear in front of the Commission. Motion made by Member Nadeau with the applicant understanding that should her business become full time at home, she re appear in front of the commission 2nd by Member Bucher motion carried unanimously.  YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture Absent CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR COMMUNITY CLOSET RELOCATION TO 91 REMSEN STREET. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if the applicant was present and to approach. Pastor Ron Vincent approached the commission and explained that they are relocating as this place presented itself and they took the opportunity to relocate to a better location. Chairperson DeFruscio asked about the hours of operation of Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am – 4pm if they would change at any time. Pastor Vincent said the only other thing is Bible study on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm for half hour. Pastor Vincent also said they do a toy drive at Christmas time. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if they would be able to use the parking lot on the side of the building. Pastor Vincent stated no, but the landlord (John) did say if there are empty spaces they could utilize them, the volunteers do not drive and there seems to be enough parking on the street if needed for people who want to drop items off. Chairperson DeFruscio said there is something here about a sign in the future, has Sharon explained what you need to do to obtain approval for that. Pastor Vincent responded that Sharon did explain he would have to go in front of the Historic board submitting a drawing and colors for any sign they may decide to put up. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if the interior would be changed in any way. Pastor Vincent responded no, it would stay the same. They will be using rolling carts for items to be displayed. Chairperson DeFruscio asked about trash removal. Pastor Vincent stated they dispose of their own trash and will continue to do that. Member Bucher asked about donated items, where will they be left? Vice Chairperson Carroll asked about items being left outside during other than normal hours. Pastor Vincent stated that no items are to be left outside, and only dropped off during hours of operation. He also stated that there are people that live close by and the landlord has direct contact to him, should items be left outside other than designated hours, he will be contacted and the items will be removed as soon as possible to keep the area clean. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked if they have sidewalk sales. Pastor Vincent stated they do not, but asked if it is something they could do? Chairperson DeFruscio stated he would need to obtain a permit from the City. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there were any public comments or questions. Resident/business owner Manny Santos 88 Remsen St. approached stating he has a concern about trash being left outside 91 Remsen St. He said he has himself picked up trash left there. Mr. Santos also brought up his concern about clothes being dropped off at all time creating a mess. Chairperson DeFruscio responded to Mr. Santos that he should address the Commission and not the applicant, but if there is a problem with trash or items being left out for him to contact the City and the City will address it with the building owner if necessary. Pastor Vincent stated that he has given strict orders to volunteers that nothing is to be outside including trash. He stated that he is taking strong steps with volunteers regarding clothing or donated items not being left outside as people are watching and he will make sure things are removed as soon as possible. Member Nadeau asked if he is the only occupant in the building and where he is occupying. Pastor Vincent stated he is the only occupant and he occupies the first floor and basement which are about 2,000 sf. each. Chairperson DeFruscio asked for a motion to approve the Site Plan Review for the relocation of Community Closet to 91 Remsen St. as there isn’t much to review; no changes inside or outside of the building. Member Bucher made the motion to approve the Site Plan Review for Community Closet relocation to 91 Remsen St. with the stipulated hours mentioned are the only times donations are accepted Tuesdays & Thursdays between the hours of 10am – 4pm. Motion 2nd by Vice Chairperson Carroll as proposed by Member Bucher. All in favor; motion carried unanimously. Chairperson DeFruscio stated to Pastor Vincent if the hours were to be expanded then he would need to reapply and appear in front the Planning Commission. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture Absent CONSIDERATION OF SEQR FOR A SITE PLAN FOR A MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH SEVEN DWELLING UNITS AT 69-75 EGBERT ST. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if any objections were received. Sharon Butler stated that all the responses are in the packets and at this meeting the Commission is only voting to be Lead Agency on the SEQR for the project. Sharon also told the Commission that there is a new proposed plot plan that was submitted for their review, as at the September meeting there were a lot of questions from members regarding this project. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there’s a motion for the Planning Board to declare lead agency for the SEQR. Motion made by Member Nadeau 2nd by Member Bucher and the motion carried unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture Absent CONSIDERATION OF SEQR FOR A RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION WITH THE TWO LOTS AT 181 MANOR AVENUE. Sharon reminded the members that this project was also on the agenda for the Commission to vote on lead agency for the SEQR process. John Raucci approached the Commission stating that he is proposing to sub divide his lot into 2 lots. Chairperson DeFruscio then questioned the SEQR process and why it had to take place because this is a sub division and no construction taking place. Sharon responded that she was just completing the process outlined by previous Planner Robyn King. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there was a motion for the Planning Commission to be lead agency for the proposed sub division at 181 Manor Ave. Motion made by Member Nadeau 2nd by Vice Chairperson Carroll. Motion carried unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture Absent CONSIDERATION OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING AT 33 MANN AVENUE. Chairperson DeFruscio asked the applicant to approach. Sergey approached the commission stating they are looking to construct a two family dwelling on the empty lot. There are other two family dwellings there. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that it is an R-2 district but zoning requires a special use permit to construct a two family dwelling. Chairperson DeFruscio asked where they were putting the building, is it going to be centered on the lot? Sergey responded that the duplex would be centered on the lot 20’ back from the sidewalk. Sharon stated that at the September 25, 2019 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting the applicant did receive the necessary variance approvals to move forward with the project. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked if they were going to be rentals. Sergey responded owner would live in one unit other would be rented. Vice Chairperson Carroll asked about parking. Sergey responded that each unit will have a garage. Chairperson DeFruscio asked for a motion to approve the Special Use Permit for a two family residential dwelling at 33 Mann Avenue, stating that is will only improve the neighborhood. Member Nadeau asked about the 20’ setback on the front of the house where it was measured from. Sharon stated it is from the sidewalk. Motion made by Vice Chairperson Carroll to approve the Special Use Permit for a two family residential dwelling at 33 Mann Ave. 2nd by Member Bucher. Motion carried unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture Absent Chairperson DeFruscio reminded members that they need to complete their training which was emailed to them. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Member Bucher made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 pm, which was 2nd by Vice Chairperson Carroll and the motion carried unanimously.