Traffic Commission Agendas and Minutes

Page 1 of 3 April 24, 2023 MINUTES OF THE COHOES TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MONDAY APRIL 24, 2023 IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF COHOES CITY HALL AT 3:02 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Paul Johnston Fire Chief Joseph Fahd Lieutenant John Shanahan Commissioner Stephen Hennessey City Planner Joseph Seman-Graves ALSO PRESENT: Theresa Flatley, Recording Secretary Steve Napier, CLDC CONSIDER THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 27, 2023 MEETING Chairman Johnston asked if there were any comments, questions or concerns regarding the minutes as published. As there were no questions, concerns or comments, Chief Fahd made a motion to approve the minutes. Lieutenant Shanahan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed unanimously. CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF A CURB CUT ON YOUNGLOVE AVENUE The request was submitted by Raymond Beattie of #51 Younglove Avenue for a curb cut for an existing driveway shared by #51 and #49 Younglove Avenue. Mr. Beattie states that there are current plans to re-pave the driveway and he would like the curb cut before construction commences. Chairman Johnston stated that he had looked at the location and the request will have no adverse effect on parking as a driveway already exists. The photo that is attached to the agenda details the existing driveway and concrete sidewalk. The Chairman stated that the concrete sidewalk must remain in place and he will inform Code of this requirement before any permit for a new driveway is issued. Commissioner Hennessey stated that in the past residents expect the curb cuts to be commenced the next day. He stated that this is not feasible as other city work is ongoing and scheduled. The applicant must plan accordingly. His recommendation was to approve the request for a curb cut of 20± feet in width. Chief Fahd made a motion to approve the request for a curb cut of 20± for the driveway shared by #49 and #51 Younglove Avenue. Joseph Seman-Graves the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURES ON REMSEN STREET BETWEEN COLUMBIA STREET AND ONTARIO STREET FOR EAT-IN-THE- STREET  Page 2 of 3 April 24, 2023 This request was submitted by Steve Napier for the Cohoes Local Development Corporation. The closure request was to permit the Remsen Street restaurants to have in-street dining. The closures will on Thursdays only and will be between the hours of 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM beginning on June 15, 2023 and ending on August 3, 2023, weather permitting. The cross streets, Howard and White Street would remain open to traffic. Newcomb Street will be partially closed allowing only access to the Matchbox parking lot. Steve Napier requested that this item be tabled for a future meeting as discussions are continuing with Remsen Street restaurants as to which weekday and times are best for their businesses. Chief Fahd made a motion to table the request for the street closures on Remsen Street between Columbia and Ontario Streets. Lieutenant Shanahan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion to table the request passed. CONSIDER THE APPROVAL OF STREET CLOSURES ON REMSEN STREET AND SENECA STREET FOR ROCK-THE-BLOCK This request was submitted by Kathleen LaBombard of the Mayor’s Office. The closure request was to permit the annual Rock the Block concert series. The closures will be on Thursdays only and will be between the hours of 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, weather permitting, beginning on June 15, 2023 and ending on August 3, 2023. Remsen Street would be closed between Ontario Street and Cayuga Streets. Seneca Street would only be closed between Remsen Street and the Keybank exit driveway. Chairman Johnston stated that the Commission has historically approved closures of Remsen and Seneca Streets for the City endorsed Rock the Block concerts. Chairman Johnston’s recommendation was to approve the request contingent on notification to CDTA of the proposed closures. Joseph Seman-Graves made a motion to approve the request for the street closures on Remsen and Seneca Streets. Chief Fahd seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. CONSIDER THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF JOHNSTON AVENUE FOR TACOS FOR LIFE The request was submitted by Ben Williams representing the Connect Center for Youth at 49 Johnston Avenue. He is requesting to be allowed to close Johnston Avenue from Garner Street to Mangam Street on Friday July 7, 2023 between the hours of 4:00 PM  Page 3 of 3 April 24, 2023 to 10:00 PM. The closure would be to allow the Connect Center for Youth’s Tacos for Life block party Joseph Seman-Graves stated that the event will be utilizing the parking lot of Spendwood School of Gymnastics and Dance as well as the church’s for the entire event. Chairman Johnston stated that the Traffic Commission has approved, in the past, the closure of various streets for other public events. The Chairman’s recommendation was to approve the request contingent on the applicant having satisfactory insurance and receiving a permit from the City. Joseph Seman-Graves made a motion to approve the request for the closure of Johnston Avenue from Garner Street to Mangam Street on Friday July 7, 2023 between the hours of 4 PM to 10 PM. Chief Fahd seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. Since there was no further business on the agenda, Chairman Johnston stated that the next meeting of the Traffic Commission would be on May 22, 2023 at 3 PM. Chairman Johnston made a motion to adjourn. Joseph Seman-Graves seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. All were in favor. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 3:07 PM.