Planning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COHOES PLANNING BOARD HELD IN CITY HALL ON MARCH 9, 2020 at 6:30PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Mark DeFruscio, Chairperson Mr. Jack Carroll, Vice Chairperson Ms. Stephanie Couture Mr. Bob Bucher Mr. Joseph Nadeau ABSENT: All members present ALSO PRESENT: Joseph Seman-Graves, City Planner Sharon Butler, Administrative CED and Planning Chairperson DeFruscio called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Roll Call: ALL MEMBERS PRESENT CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 18, 2020 MEETING Chairperson DeFruscio asked if anyone had any questions about the meeting minute from the February 18 2020, meeting. With no questions, Vice Chair Carroll made a motion to approve the minutes, which Member Couture seconded and the motion carried unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X Chairperson DeFruscio welcomed the public to the meeting. He stated the rules; he would read the agenda item, the owner would present to the Board, the public comment would be opened. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that anyone commenting are to address the Board and not the applicant, they are to state their name, address and comments. He again reminded the public they are to address any questions to the Board not to the applicant as it is Boards responsibility to make sure the proposal meets the guidelines, codes and fits in with the character of the neighborhood. CONSIDERATION OF A PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN FOR 309 VLIET BLVD/50 PLEASANT ST. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if the applicant would approach to explain the project. Todd Drake approached and gave an informal presentation on the project. Mr. Drake explained that he would like to construct a 4 unit dwelling, which is smaller than originally submitted to the board. Chairperson DeFruscio stopped the meeting (6:34) because people in the audience were stating they couldn’t hear Mr. Drake. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the micro phone was for recording purposes only and not to amplify. Chairperson DeFruscio asked Sharon Butler to turn on the micro phone. Meeting was called back to order at 6:36. Mr. Drake continued with his presentation stating that there is vegetation on the proposed site and showed how the building would be constructed on the lot. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the resubmitted plans of the outside of the structure do fit the neighborhood. Chairperson DeFruscio also confirmed that one building would be demolished and a new 4 unit structure was being proposed. Chairperson DeFruscio then opened it up to public comment. Kayla O’Hare 56 Pleasant and she owns 58 Pleasant asked what building was being demoed, as the blue building is falling in. Mr. Drake stated that is the one. Ms. O’Hare then asked what he was doing with the other building. Mr. Drake said he is going to make substantial improvements. Chairperson DeFruscio stated this was just preliminary site plan review and everything would be shown on final site plan. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there were any other public comments and Paul Hansen representing 304 Vliet asked about the foot print of the building, which he approached to look at the drawing. Mr. Hansen asked if access would be on Pleasant St. and if the area was zoned for duplexes? Member Nadeau stated this is just a preliminary site plan review and does not have all the information that is required for a final site plan review and that it still needs to go in front of the zoning board of appeals. Mr. Hansen asked how many stories the building would be. Chairperson DeFruscio said it is 2 stories. Mr. Hansen asked if there would be shrubbery along Vliet. Mr. Drake said yes there would be. Mr. Hansen then stated that the new construction is not going to be on the existing foot print. Chairperson DeFruscio stated no the building would be over a little further. Mr. Bob Ceccucci 6 Baker Ave. approached asking about the lack of reasonable return. Chairperson DeFruscio again stated that this was just a preliminary site review and that is a zoning consideration. Chairperson DeFruscio stated it was their job to get community input about the proposed plan and to mitigate any concerns of neighbors. Mr. Drake then stated that he would like to respond to a comment of the existing property—he stated that the process has taken 8 months and he would like to get to the bottom of what to do. He remains open to any questions and/or concerns to be able to move forward. Member Nadeau asked if the exiting fence is remaining. Mr. Drake said yes he would paint it as it is still in good shape. Planner Joseph Seman-Graves stated if the Board is ok with the Preliminary Site Plan then the applicant and move on to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if the Board had any other comments or questions regarding the Preliminary Site Plan review for 309 Vliet/50 Pleasant St. Member Bucher stated the applicant worked with the Board and they were pleased with the new submission submitted. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the applicant can move on to the Zoning Board of Appeals. CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR 10 ROOSEVELT BLVD. GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Chairperson DeFruscio asked the applicant to approach to explain their project. Mr. John McDonald approached and explained that he was looking to construct a 2 car garage in the rear of his property and have the entrance to the garage on Elaine Court. Mr. McDonald explained that he still needed to go to the Zoning Board of Appeals due to the height of the garage. Chairperson DeFruscio read the proposal to the public and stated that he meets all of the required setbacks but because he is going to have storage above in the garage he needs Zoning approval for the height of the garage and it is the job of the Planning Board to do a site plan review of the proposed project. Planner Joseph Seman-Graves told the Board that the Traffic Commission already reviewed the project and gave approval for the driveway on Elaine Court. Chairperson DeFruscio then asked if there were any public comments. No one from the public approached. Chairperson DeFruscio then asked if any of the Board members had any questions or comments. Being none Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there was a motion to approve the submitted site plan which Member Bucher made the motion and Vice Chair Carroll 2nd. Motion carried unanimously YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A NEW BUSINESS AT 20 WHITE STREET Chairperson DeFruscio read the proposal that the applicant was looking to open a pizza shop in an existing building at 20 White Street, which used to be the hometown bakery building. Chairperson DeFruscio asked the applicant to approach. Billy Pettit approached to answer questions and explain the proposal. Mr. Pettit stated he is going to have a prep area, couple of tables inside in case anyone wanted to sit inside. Chairperson DeFruscio asked the hours of operation and if he was going to have delivery service. Mr. Pettit stated the hours would be 8AM – 11PM and he would be doing delivery service. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if the weekend hours would be extended and Mr. Pettit stated no. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that he may want to revisit the hours as they seem to be a lot. Vice Chair Carroll asked how many delivery vehicles he was planning on having. Mr. Pettit stated 3. Vice Chair Carroll stated a concern about double parking. Mr. Pettit stated that there is parking in the rear. Chairperson DeFruscio asked about trash and where would that be. Mr. Pettit said that is in the rear also. Member Couture asked about deliveries of products and where that would be. Mr. Pettit stated in the front. Vice Chair Carroll stated that having deliveries in the front would block White Street and that they need to be considerate of traffic. Mr. Pettit stated the deliveries only take a few minutes as it goes quickly from what he has observed at other businesses. Member Nadeau stated it is being called a pizza shop but seems like it is going to be more with the hours being 8AM-11PM and there should be more detail on what they are selling. Mr. Pettit said they are going to have limited breakfast, lunch and dinner at least for now but may change later if it doesn’t work out. Member Nadeau stated he wanted the record to show that they are selling breakfast, lunch and dinner items and no other items would be for sale on the premises. Planner Joe Seman-Graves asked the applicant if he would be storing any hazardous materials on the premises. Mr. Pettit said no. Member Couture asked about outdoor seating. Mr. Pettit said there isn’t any outdoor seating now. Member Couture stated that if he was going to have outdoor seating he would have to come back to the Planning Board. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there were any other comments or questions being none asked if he could have a motion to approve the change of use for 20 White Street to have a pizza shop business Motion was made by Chair Carroll 2nd by Member Nadeau, motion carried unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X CONSIDERATION OF A PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR 39 N. ERIE STREET Chairperson DeFruscio explained the proposal and that this is just a Preliminary Site Plan Review and he would give the public the opportunity to comment on the proposed project. Chairperson DeFruscio asked the applicant to approach. Mr. Fred Metzger representing the LePage’s approached to explain the proposed project. Mr. Metzger stated they are looking to construct ten two family units on N. Erie Street to Williams Street. The plan shows plenty of parking along with 10 garages. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if it is set off Manor Ave; will access be Manor and not actually N. Erie? Mr. Metzger explained that Williams Street would go to the garage units and N. Erie would access the actual units. Chairperson DeFruscio asked about the garages if they would only hold a small car, he also asked if there are 2 apartments in each unit and that they would need to discuss recreational area, trash, lighting etc. which would be in the final site plan, but he wanted to make sure it does not impact the neighbors. Mr. Metzger stated the garages are 10’ x 24’ more than enough to hold a vehicle. Member Bucher stated he did not see pedestrian connectivity structure next to the parking spaces and asked why the garages aren’t connected, but seemed very close together. Mr. Metzger explained they didn’t want to do a cut through and they needed 24 feet to get in and out of the garages. Member Bucher asked about porches. Mr. Metzger said yes there would be porches. Member Couture asked about trash. Mr. Metzger approached and showed her on the drawing where trash receptacle’s would be. Member Nadeau asked if there have been any meetings with the City Engineer on access on N. Erie. Mr. Metzger stated they wanted to get through the Preliminary Site Plan review before moving forward in case changes needed to be made. Vice Chair Carroll said he would like to see sidewalks. Member Couture asked about emergency vehicles and access. Mr. Metzger said they overdid the parking with 2 spaces so they did not see a problem with emergency vehicles. Chairperson DeFruscio stated the plans would have to be reviewed by the Fire Department also. Chairperson DeFruscio opened the meeting up to public comment. Resident Lori (no last name or address given) asked about income level. Mr. Metzger stated it would be moderate income; rent would be about $1,200 a month. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there were other members of the public wanting to comment and Denise Napier of 19 Manor Ave approached. Ms. Napier stated a concern with traffic in and out of N. Erie as it is basically a one way road because it is very narrow, with 20 units there would be a least another 20 cars on that road. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that there could be up to 40 cars. Ms. Napier stated 20 cars in and out of N. Erie and there’s a blind spot that you can’t see another vehicle coming. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the Board is hearing her concern and traffic would be reviewed and addressed by the Traffic Commission. Ms. Napier also stated that there is a concern of stress on the existing sewer system. She asked about many toilets. Mr. Metzger stated the units are 1 ½ baths. Ms. Napier stated that 40 toilets flushing going into the system. Mr. Metzger then explained how they would separate sewer and storm drains and this would be something he would confer with the City Engineer on. Ms. Napier then asked if all the grass was going to be removed because that would create a drainage issue. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the builders are responsible for drainage etc. during construction. Ms. Napier stated that she wanted to make sure that her property and her neighbors property do not have issues with drainage. Ms. Napier asked how long the project would take. Mr. Metzger stated 3 years from start to finish. Ms. Napier asked if they were going to owner occupied. Mr. Metzger stated the property owner was going to rent the units. Chairperson DeFruscio stated everything would be new. Ms. Napier stated that was nice but they are still not owner occupied units. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there were any other public comments. Mr. Ed Daigneault 1 William St. approached. Mr. Daigneault stated that his property was just outside of the proposed garages and the sewer ends at 45 Williams St. Chairperson DeFruscio state the City Engineer would work with the builder on the sewer. Mr. Daigneault asked where he could see the plans. Chairperson DeFruscio stated there aren’t any plans yet as this is just the Preliminary Site Plan Review to obtain comments from the neighbors on the proposed project. Mr. Daigneault stated there are trees there now, what happens to them. Chairperson DeFruscio stated again that the job of the Planning Board is to get public comment on the proposed project and make sure it fits with the neighborhood and meets all city codes. Member Nadeau stated that the applicant still needs SEQR, various other items to be reviewed; drainage, trees, lighting etc. nothing will be overlooked we are just not at that stage yet. Mr. Daigneault stated this project is going to take 3 years, so 3 years of construction noise and dirt. Chairperson DeFruscio stated yes it can take up to 3 years. Mr. Daigneault then asked about existing houses will the taxes increase. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the Planning Board does not answer those questions. Mr. Daigneault asked again about 3 years of construction, dust and noise. Member Nadeau stated that once permits are given they will have a better time of construction. Mr. Daigneault stated he sees a mess-a lot of noise and a bunch of garages behind my house. If they get zoning variance does that mean they will be building closer to the lot lines? Member Nadeau stated he sees a berm. Mr. Daigneault asked if the public would be able to see the plans. Chairperson DeFruscio stated yes you will be notified of future meetings and can come to them. Mr. Daigneault stated that 10 garages do not fit in that area. Mr. Metzger stated it is 2 garages with total of 10 spaces. Mr. Daigneault asked about flooding because previous projects created flooding there as there’s 3 ponds and anything on there will create water. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that most of the space by his property is green space. Vice Chair Carroll stated to Mr. Daigneault that what he would be seeing is Arbor Vida’s. Mr. Daigneault asked if they would be happy with a project like this 50’ from their property. Chairperson DeFruscio then asked Mr. Daigneault; so you’re not in favor of the proposed project, you think it’s too much building for the space? Mr. Daigneault yes. Mr. Metzger stated it is 1.5 acres of land they are proposing to develop on. Chairperson DeFruscio stated they would be demolishing a building that is falling down also. Citizen Helene Drouin 43 N. Erie approached and asked why that house is still standing. Planner Joe Seman-Graves stated that is a code enforcement issue. Ms. Drouin stated she didn’t want people peering into her windows, how high are the buildings, are tenants going to be screened before they move in, the neighbors across the street are really bad. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that there would be 4 buildings along the property line and others are west of her property. He also stated that they are looking for middle income people as the rent would be $1,200-$1,300 a month. Mr. Drouin asked about the sewer system. Chairperson DeFruscio again explained how the system would be improved in that area, the next step for the applicant is to have everything engineered, make sure it doesn’t have a negative impact, traffic study, county will review etc. Ms. Drouin stated it takes too long to get from N. Erie to Manor. Chairperson DeFruscio stated with this project they would take a look at improvement of the streets. Planner Joe Seman-Graves stated that the Safety Commission will look at the project, it’s not the Planning Boards responsibility to determine traffic flow, and it is not the Planning Boards responsibility to determine who can and cannot be in the apartments. The Environmental Review includes noise, pollution, etc. and DEC along with multiple agencies will review the project. As far a drainage the City of Cohoes is part of the Coalition of Storm & Sewer, the county and city takes this very seriously. Ms. Drouin asked about the existing fire hydrant. Chairperson DeFruscio stated the fire hydrant would stay if additional are required they would be installed. Ms. Drouin stated that adding 20 families will destroy the neighborhood. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that they are trying to work with the builder to improve the property and mitigate any issues between neighbors and the builders. Ms. Drouin stated that people with money get whatever they want, no one cares. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the project has been scaled down already, if it is over built it will come out in future steps of the process. Kevin Flatley 128 VanSchaick Ave. stated that the builder has a good reputation, does not have problems with renters, they will have good tenants with this type of building and the money they are investing. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the builder has built other projects and has done a very good job, they just want to make improvements on that property. John Hogan 45-47 N. Erie approached and stated he has a concern with traffic as it is to much for N. Erie Street. He stated that an expansion of N. Erie Street isn’t possible, it is only 10’ wide, will traffic go out Williams Street. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that they didn’t want traffic cutting through Williams Street, but that would be addressed by the Traffic Commission. Mr. Hogan asked if it will all be looked at by the engineer and during the process will it still be open for comments, will another letter go out to residents. Chairperson DeFruscio said yes another letter will go out for future meetings. He stated that the public is welcome to come to future meetings. Mr. Hogan asked about the layout of the apartments. Chairperson DeFruscio stated they are 2 bedroom 1 ½ bath units. Mr. Hogan approached to review the Preliminary Site Plan. Martin Hood 61 N. Erie Street approached stating he has a concern about traffic, parking on a one lane road, there are trees on both sides of the road. When a car is coming you have to pull over and wait for it to go down West Street or Manor. With 40 more people it won’t be a quiet neighborhood anymore. City does not take care of the road now it’s only going to be worse with more traffic. Mr. Hood also stated that there is a concern with the kids and traffic, there is a plowing issue, ambulance can’t make it down the road, people drive to fast down the road and with the blind corner it makes it worse. Chairperson DeFruscio asked Mr. Hogan if he would like to come up and view what the builder is proposing to construct. Mr. Martin looked at the plan, and stated that people would be driving past his house because it is impossible to make a left onto Manor Ave. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the Board appreciates the input, and asked how they would feel about a traffic light being installed. Mr. Hood stated the parking is not enough, it’s a one lane road all the way down, people drive to fast down the road, has a big concern of who is coming around and there will be more cars going down the road. Mr. Hood asked if it could be a private road. Chairperson DeFruscio stated he didn’t know if they could make a private road. Mr. Hood stated that the noise level will be increased also. Steve Napier Sr. 19 Manor Ave. approached stating he feels the project is over aggressive, there are to many houses for that area, the road is only wide enough for single plow, the road washes out, and it won’t be able to handle more traffic. Mr. Napier stated maybe ½ the number of houses would be more appropriate. That many does not fit in the neighborhood, and there is a fear for the safety of the kids in the area. Mr. Napier asked if they are going to cut down the trees. He stated that the kids can barely get off the road now when someone is coming. Mr. Napier stated he doesn’t see it holding another 30-40 cars. He said he’s lived there over 30 years, he doesn’t want to stop building but just thinks this is too much for the area. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there was a number of units that they would be comfortable with. Mr. Napier stated ½ of what is being proposed, he didn’t want to see the neighbors being put out as this is going to change the feel of the neighborhood. Petrina Castracani 59 N. Erie approached stated that there are 8 homes on N. Erie and adding 10 additional will change the character of the neighborhood and there are kids there so there is a concern for their safety. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there were any other comments. Being none Chairperson DeFruscio asked if the proposal should be tabled or start SEQR. Planner Joe Seman-Grave stated there would be no SEQR started because of the major site plan alterations that would have to be made due to the comments and concerns. Chairperson DeFruscio asked for a motion to table the proposal which Member Nadeau made a motion and Vice Chair Carroll 2nd motion carried unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X Chairperson DeFruscio explained to the public that the Board is tabling the proposal to take into consideration the public comments and issues presented. When the applicant re submits new notices will go out to give the public the opportunity to give comments on the new proposal. CONSIDERATION OF A PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR 182 ONTARIO ST. Chairperson DeFruscio read the proposal of the project and stated that the Board is going to let the developer provide their presentation on the project, the Board members will asked questions then it would be open to public comment. Charlotte O’Connor from Community Builders gave an overview of the project they are proposing; they are looking to construct a 36 unit complex—27 one bedroom units and 9 two bedroom units. Chairperson DeFruscio stated this is part of a City wide plan for 72 units, it is his understanding this property is attached to 7 other properties, this is just preliminary site plan review and nothing is etched in stone. Robert Kernan from The LA Group showed the site design stating it is very preliminary and he explained the proposal of the project, that it complies with the zoning code, parking is in the back, 1.5 spaces per unit—36 spaces which includes 2 handicap spaces, main entrance would be on Ontario Street, that they would work with the City Engineer for compliance on storm water, and there would be a fence around the playground area. Chairperson DeFruscio reminded the builders that there was a study completed 470 Corridor Study that has specific guideline for buildings, there was a lot of input from citizens about development, needs to be dealt with pertaining with certain character of the area, that the Board hasn’t been given detail on a lot of things; storm water, drainage, snow storage, lighting etc. He then asked about multi use. Ms. O’Connor stated that the first floor shows a community room, laundry, and office space but no retail. Vice Chair Carroll asked if the Corridor study was on line. Chairperson DeFruscio stated yes it is. Mr. Kernan asked if the items in the study are a requirement. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that it is recommendations from people in the area, talking about the space where golden crust was and the 2 building are. Vice Chair Carroll stated there is a lot to be studies on this; if it fits the property etc. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if the 36 units are low income. Ms. O’Connor stated it will be mixed income, as they haven’t received financing yet so the determination hasn’t been made. Vice Chair Carroll asked about egress. Ms. O’Connor stated it would be Ontario Street. Kelly Melaragno from Community Builders stated the plans are very preliminary, architecture is evolving and it may not look like what is being presented tonight. Scott Townsend (3t architects) explained the first floor will have community room and office space. Chairperson DeFruscio stated the Board is looking for comments from the public and then the Board can mitigate with the builder. The area has been vacant for a long time and something is needed there, the study was done and is available online, this is the entrance into the City so we have to keep that in mind when looking at plans. Member Nadeau asked if approval of this building depends on financing and the scattered sites throughout the City. Ms. Melaragno stated no, the anchor site was to be Saratoga Street but they were asked to move it to Ontario Street. Member Nadeau asked if we do not approve this plan do you still do the scattered sites. Ms. Melaragno stated yes we would still move forward with the other sites. Member Bucher asked about the entrance. Mr. Townsend approached him to explain. Chairperson DeFruscio then opened it to public comment again explaining that this is preliminary site plan review, persons wanting to speak are to address the Board not the developers, then the Board would pose questions to the builders, they are to give their name and address when they approach. Brian King lives at 77 Pershing Avenue approached and stated he has 3 points to bring up; traffic; when I go to work in the morning at 7:30 787 is ok, but at 8-8:30 it is really bad and the light doesn’t help with traffic., parking on Pulaski Ave is already bad, can’t get out now how would residents get out with all the extra traffic. Point #2; health & safety; I grew up in Cohoes and walk on the island there is a shear drop off to the Mohawk River. We just spent $11million on the boulevard for a new crosswalk, the river bank is just as dangerous as the cross walk. Point #3; Ukrainian Park has an extremely high occupancy of deer and deer vectors Lyme disease which is an issue to everyone. So to reiterate the 3 points: traffic, health and safety. Stephanie Byrne 30 Waters View Circle approached stating that traffic is a concern, the light at the Church is useless, she asked if there was a traffic study, has anyone considered the pedestrian traffic especially kids running across the street. Ms. Byrne asked if Community Builders owns the property. Ms. Melaragno stated they have a purchasing agreement with the City IDA. Ms. O’Connor stated they do have plans to purchase the property. Ms. Byrne asked if this is another PILOT project, that people would rather have a mixed use with retail. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that that was on the 470 Corridor Study. We do not have interaction with the City IDA, we as a Board look at the project to see if it will work. Ms. Byrne stated she is concerned with the residents that this project will target. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the project isn’t geared toward kids as most are 1 bedroom units and he does not know if Community Builders goes lower/middle income status. Ms. O’Connor stated they have not made a decision on the income level yet as they are still awaiting financing. Ms. Melaragno stated that they own several properties and they want to maintain them, the mission is to create a safe healthy home environment and we take pride in what we do. Ms. O’Connor stated they have 65 units at Cohoes Fall for the last 10 years and they have been very successful. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if they are the row houses on N. Mohawk. Ms. O’Connor stated yes, they are already in the City and those properties are well taken care of. A citizen in the audience stated the price of rentals in Cohoes are higher than other areas--$1,550 a month is just too high. Mr. Werner Hetzner 125 Ontario Street approached read a statement (attached) also stated the letter received says low income apartments so were talking about low income. Planner Joe Seman-Graves stated the letter that went out said low/moderate income apartments. Mr. Hetzner stated it sounds to me like public housing, housing projects radiate social problems, negative property values. Are they getting any tax breaks, what about the building structure? Mr. Hetzner read another quote from a paper he had—Harvard Study states social rules about public housing is disastrous. Chairperson DeFruscio stated it is not public housing. Mr. Hetzner stated we’ll see. Chairperson DeFruscio asked Mr. Hetzner if he had any comments about the plans being presented as this meeting is about the project plans. Mr. Hetzner stated we are here to talk about the community—this will change the character of the community, do you want something like this in your neighborhood? Arthur Nadeau 144 Ontario Street approached stating he does not like the way low income housing is projected as he came from a poor family, we did have public assistance, and lived in public housing, and some do have problems but other rise above it as I did. Mr. Nadeau stated he has concerns about traffic, he stated that where Cap Com is the people coming in and out of there and the 787 backup, on top of that pedestrians crossing—you are talking about at least 36 more cars, the road has several large pot holes that haven’t been taken care of. Chairperson DeFruscio stated he would encourage folks to look at the study that was already done, and that the Traffic Commission would be looking closely at the project. Mr. Nadeau asked if there would be screening of the potential tenants. Chairperson DeFruscio stated as of now we can’t say that the project is geared towards mainly low income as plans can change, there hasn’t been a proposed multi use on the first floor, there is a gym and community area for residents. Mr. Nadeau stated his main concern is traffic. Ms. Jacqueline DeChiaro Principal at Van Schaick grade school and owner of 114 Washington Ave. stated there have been 744 units added to the island, there is going to be a quality of life change, traffic is already crazy. Ms. DeChiaro stated as Principal they have had to add classes to the 4th and 5th grade, there is no room to expand Van Schaick School. Ms. DeChiaro also stated that Cohoes Schools are in a fiscal crises, how many complexes are we going add to Cohoes. Van Schaick Island has enough development on it doesn’t need any more. Ms. Ann Kushnick 126 Ontario Street approached stating there are problems with traffic, not just cars but trucks. Ms. Kushnick stated she does not have a problem with the development but would like to see less than 36 units and not more than 2 stories high. Ms. Kushnick also stated there is no public transportation on the Island, no CDTA bus route, the CDTA bus picks up middle and high school kids. Ms. Kushnick also stated that the school cannot accommodate any more students. Ms. Kushnick also stated she would like to see multi use, we have to remember what our neighborhood is like. Vehicles fly down River Street from Ontario-my husband was hit on his motorcycle. We also have nice views out our window; bald eagles. How much more are we going to crowd into the area? Something needs to be done as this is not appropriate for the area, there shouldn’t be more than 24 units with retail. Ms. Kushnick referred to a letter that was circulated around the neighborhood stating it was being used as a scare tactic. Planner Joe Seman-Graves asked if he could see the letter and Ms. Kushnick gave him the letter. Vice Chair Carroll stated that the letter had nothing to do with the project and wasn’t sent by the City. Mr. Kushnick stated no it’s not from the City it’s a scare tactic by someone (Mr. Hetzner at that point stated that he was the one who circulated the letter). Mr. Dave Kotch representing the Ukrainian Club on Pulaski Avenue read a statement from the organization; the organization is not opposed to the project as long as it does not add to the existing traffic issues. (I have attached the statement to the minutes instead of typing everything out). Mr. Kotch stated that there is a deer problem also, they have to keep moving around and as development progresses they move to Pulaski Ave. Vice Chair Carroll asked if deer have actually been sited on there. Mr. Kotch said yes they go on to Pershing Ave. Mr. Kotch asked if plans were available to see. Chairperson DeFruscio stated these are preliminary plans once final plans are submitted they would address storm drains, garbage, traffic etc. Mr. Kernan from the LA Group stated that they would come back with new plans that would address the concerns being brought up. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the Board and the builders are listening to the public and taking their concerns seriously. Ms. Jessica Falls 98 Ontario Street approached stating that she just bought her house 2 years ago, she bought in that neighborhood because of the neighborhood and the school. Ms. Falls stated that the school is overcrowded now, that the idea of one bedroom units is ok, but to build more in the neighborhood is too much, it would be to many people in a small area. Ms. Falls also stated she is concerned about transient people, they don’t care about the apartments as people move in and out, she would rather see something that people stay, need businesses in the area. Ms. Falls also stated that she already has a lot of garbage that ends up in her yard that she has to get rid of and with more apartments means more garbage. Ms. Falls stated that the amount of traffic is too much like everyone else stated. Ms. Falls stated she doesn’t have a problem with apartments just not 36, she stated she would like to have families move in—it’s a bedroom community and there are too many apartments in the area now. Chairperson DeFruscio stated he appreciates the comments, we as a Board would love to approve one family homes but no one is approaching us to construct those. Ms. Falls stated she know no one is proposing one family homes but the city does not need more apartments. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the planner is working with CDTA to get more bus stops, it’s in the plan of the study. Ms. Falls stated parking is already a parking issue and snow removal creates issues also. Mr. Khris Clemens 77 Pershing Ave approached stated that he is not a lifelong resident like a lot of the people here, I own the house that borders this project, I would like to see renderings but I do not feel it fits with the neighborhood. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that he needed to look at the study available online as it addresses the development. Mr. Clemens stated the Island have nice water views, I don’t begrudge developers making money, but the character has to be determined on how it fits is up to the board and citizens. Mr. Clemens asked about the garbage, is it not put outside. Ms. Melaragno stated they have a road that goes directly for trash pickup. Mr. Clemens asked about storm sewer how is that going to affect our area. He also brought up about mud/dirt, is it going to be cleaned on a daily basis. Planner Joe Seman- Graves stated if they see mud to call as it has to be addressed immediately, if it is there the construction group will be fined. Ms. Melaragno stated that Malta did a nice job of mixed use and it is very valuable. Mr. Clemens stated that with retail there would be parking on the street. Ms. Christa Dederick 9 Third Street approached stated that there are vacant 2 and 3 story building, how come Community Builders can’t use them, use the foreclosure properties etc. Vice Chair Carroll stated that they buy overgrown lots and developed them. Ms. Dederick stated that she is a landlord also, and the Island is a very unique area. Chairperson DeFruscio asked Ms. Dederick do you feel this is an intrusion on the Island. Ms. Dederick state yes it is, the wildlife is the only thing left, we have a nice quality of life and don’t want that to change. Taxes will go up, and we can’t get rid of Section 8, this will have negative impact on the school there are too many children in the school now. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that school issues should be addressed to the school board. Mr. Frank Gebosky 176 Ontario Street approached stated that someone should apologize that this was written up as low/moderated income housing. Mr. Gebosky stated he is familiar with the corridor study, but this look like a Fairfield hotel. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that in the final plan it would look like the rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Gebosky asked where are the decks, where is the individuality, it looks like a hotel. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that these are just preliminary plans. Mr. Gebosky stated what about making a park or walkway etc. Chairperson DeFruscio stated the property across the street belong to national grid. Mr. Gebosky stated they can’t build deck. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that the property belongs to Nation Grid. He stated that there is another development down the river and part of the project includes a public park, we try to incorporate public parks etc. for the community. Mr. Gebosky stated that they needed retail on the first floor of the proposed project. Ms. Stephanie Anduchow (Stroyen) 29 Kosciusko Avenue approached stating that there will be traffic issues and changes to the neighborhood. Ms. Stroyen stated she is 4th generation living in the house, the neighborhood is unusual, everyone knows each other, families know each other and this project interferes with the neighborhood. Ms. Stroyen stated she is not opposed to development but need to keep the area character as it is. Chairperson DeFruscio asked Ms. Stroyen we already know about traffic issues is there anything else about the plan that you do not like? Ms. Stroyen stated she would like to see a combination of retail on the first floor. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that they could not dictate what goes in there. Ms. Stroyen asked if there will be parking on Ontario Street. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that parking on Ontario Street is not prohibited. Mr. Kernan stated that they aren’t proposing any additional parking on Ontario Street. Mr. John Wojcik 1 Second Street approached and stated that he sat through 3 developments, there was no mention of solar or green technology. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that is something addressed in a final site plan. Mr. Wojcik stated if this project gets approved hang on because St. Peter & Paul School will be next. Mr. Paul Thouin 38 Kosciusko Ave stated that no one in a 2 bedroom apartment usually has more than 1 car can the parking be under the building. Vice Chair Carroll stated it’s in flood zone. Chairperson DeFruscio stated that they would have to adhere to the city code regarding parking. Ms. Dorothy McCrea 5 Meadow Street approached and asked the name of the builder. Mr. Kernan stated it is TCD Community Builders. Chairperson DeFruscio asked if there were any other public comments on the preliminary site plan. Being none Mr. Kernan stated they have to do SEQR process regardless of what happens. Planner Joe Seman-Graves stated that this is preliminary, the Board can move forward with starting the SEQR process. He explained that the process for SEQR opens up 2 more public meetings, this is not an approval of the project but to get more information from other interested parties. With no other comments from the public or the Board Chairperson DeFruscio asked for a motion to start the SEQR process; Vice Chair Carroll made a motion for the Board to move forward with the SEQR process, 2nd by Member Bucher motion carried unanimously. YES NO Bob Bucher X Joseph Nadeau X Mark DeFruscio X Jack Carroll X Stephanie Couture X Chairperson DeFruscio asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting, motion by Vice Chair Carroll and 2nd by Member Nadeau meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.