Traffic Commission Agendas and Minutes

Page 1 of 3 February 22, 2021 MINUTES OF THE COHOES TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2021 VIA THE ZOOM APPLICATION AT 4:11 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Paul Johnston City Planner Joseph Seman-Graves Fire Chief Joseph Fahd Lieutenant John Shanahan MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Stephen Hennessey ALSO PRESENT: Theresa Flatley, Recording Secretary CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 25, 2021 MEETING Chairman Johnston asked if there were any comments, questions or concerns regarding the minutes as presented. As there were no questions, concerns or comments, Joseph Seman-Graves made a motion to approve the minutes. Chief Fahd seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER THE REMOVAL OF A PARKING LIMITATION SIGN ON MAIN STREET This request was submitted by Chairman Johnston. He explained that this 15 Minute Parking sign was originally approved by Regulation 11-2005 at the request of the owner of Zullo‘s Grocery. The grocery store is now closed. Accordingly, the Chairman’s recommendation was to remove the sign in accordance with Attachment “A” to the agenda as it is no longer needed. Chief Fahd made a motion to approve the request for the removal of the sign on Main Street in front of the former Zullo’s Grocery and in accordance with Attachment “A” to the agenda. Lieutenant Shanahan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF A DRIVEWAY AT #65 MASTEN AVENUE The request was submitted by Richard Putnam 65 Masten Avenue for the installation of a driveway 15 feet in width on the north side of his property. The driveway would be located on Cherry Street; no curb cut is required. Chairman Johnston stated that he and City Planner Joseph Seman-Graves had looked at the location and the request will have no adverse effect on on-street parking. The Chairman’s recommendation was to approve the request for a driveway and curb cut of 15 feet, in accordance with the sketch attached to the agenda, the driveway being constructed out of a typical driveway construction material of either asphalt, concrete or  Page 2 of 3 February 22, 2021 other approved hard surface material and contingent upon receipt of a City building permit and any requisite variances that may be required from the Zoning Board. Chief Fahd made a motion to approve the request for a driveway and curb cut of 15 feet at for #65 Masten Avenue with the driveway located on Cherry Street, the driveway being constructed out of a typical driveway construction material of either asphalt, concrete or other approved hard surface material and contingent on receipt of a City building permit and any requisite variances that may be required from the Zoning Board. Joseph Seman-Graves seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. CONSIDER THE REMOVAL AND RELOCATION OF A HANDICAP PARKING SIGN FROM 162 CONGRESS STREET TO 35 VLIET STREET This request was submitted by Thomas Scott. Mr. Scott states that he is moving from 162 Congress Street to 35 Vliet Street and would like his previously approved Handicap Parking sign to be relocated to his new apartment. The Chairman’s recommendation was to remove the sign from 162 Congress Street and to relocate it to 35 Vliet Street in accordance with Attachments “B” and “C” to the agenda. Chief Fahd made a motion to approve the request to remove the Residential Handicap Parking sign from 162 Congress Street and relocate it to 35 Vliet Street and in accordance with Attachments “B” and “C” to the agenda. Lieutenant Shanahan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. CONSIDER THE INSTALLATION OF 15 MINUTE PARKING SIGNS IN FRONT OF 300 ½ ONTARIO STREET This request was submitted by Robilee Mcintyre of the Tiny Diney Restaurant. The request is to have two (2) 15 minute parking limitation signs installed in front of her new business The Tiny Diney at 300 ½ Ontario Street. The signs would be located to provide parking for two vehicles. Ms. Mcintyre states that she would like to offer curb side pick- up of her menu items during her business hours of Thursday through Sunday and between the hours of 7 AM to 1 PM. She states that the two parking spaces would facilitate item pick-up for her customers. Chairman Johnston opened the floor to public discussion at 4:14 PM. John Shanahan stated that this section of Ontario Street currently has a two hour parking limitation. Chairman Johnston confirmed that. Joseph Seman-Graves stated that during recent discussion with Chairman Johnston, it was felt that a 24 hour daily,15 Minute parking limitation was not prudent for a business that currently had limited times and days of operation. He stated that it would be reasonable to monitor future diner hours of operation and to monitor the parking  Page 3 of 3 February 22, 2021 situation so as to provide the most efficient location and times for the take out customers. Ms. Mcintyre agreed with this suggestion. Chief Fahd made a motion to table the request for further study and evaluation of the request for 15 Minute Parking limitation signs in front of 300 ½ Ontario Street. Joseph Seman-Graves questioned Ms. Mcintyre if the current proposed hours of operation are fluid as a means of testing the hours. She stated that she felt the hours of operation were solid and would be Thursday through Sunday and between the hours of 7AM to 1PM and that she has no current plans to change the hours. She also stated that after the business matures, she is contemplating serving a lunch menu. Ms. Robilee stated that there are two vehicles that belong to neighbors and who do not respect the 2 hour parking limitation and who routinely park in front of her building ignoring the posted 2 hour parking limit. The Lieutenant questioned why this block had a 2 hour parking limitation and if the 15 minute requested limitations could be installed within the 2 hour limitation. Chairman Johnston stated that they could and also stated that former Mayor McDonald wanted a uniform parking limitation throughout the main streets of the city’s central business district of Remsen and Ontario Streets. Joseph Seman-Graves seconded the previous motion of Chief Fahd’s to table the request for further study. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. Lieutenant Shanahan stated that he will investigate the vehicles ignoring the 2 hour parking limitation. Since there was no further business on the agenda, Chairman Johnston stated that the next meeting of the Traffic Commission would be on March 15, 2021 at 4:00 PM. Chairman Johnston made a motion to adjourn. Chief Fahd seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 4:21 PM.