Zoning Board Agendas and Minutes

MINUTES OF THE COHOES ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS HELD IN THE COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF COHOES CITY HALL ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2018 AT 6:30 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Joyce Baranski, Vice Chairperson Mr. Mark Cotch Mr. Paul Heroux Ms. Mary Shanks MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Michael Briggs, Chairperson ALSO PRESENT: Robyn Reynolds, Deputy Director of Economic Development & Planning CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 26, 2018 MEETING Vice Chairperson Baranski called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and asked for the consideration of the September 26, 2018 meeting minutes. There being no questions, Member Cotch made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, which Member Heroux seconded and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Paul Heroux X Mary Shanks X CONSIDERATION OF AN AREA VARIANCE FOR A CARPORT/GARAGE AT 9 3RD STREET Vice Chairperson Baranski read aloud the proposal which noted that the applicant was asking for a 4’ variance from the side property line and 39’ variance from the front property line for a shed/carport to be installed in the driveway at the property. Vice Chairperson Baranski also noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals must consider six factors in reviewing an area variance, which applies to all area variances and asked the applicant to explain the project. Ms. Dederick addressed the Board and noted that she had recently purchased the home which was built in 1905 and that she has been making progress in updating the property, despite some limitations in terms of the size of the lot. She elaborated that she has thus far removed dilapidated outbuildings on site and would like to build a shed/garage for outdoor storage as the basement in the building is very wet and the driveway is not being used. Ms. Dederick noted that the shed/garage would not need a foundation and that a professional company would be installing it. Vice Chairperson Baranski asked the Board if they had any questions, to which Member Heroux asked if the structure would be stick built. Ms. Dederick noted it would not be and that it would be a steel, four-sided structure. Member Heroux asked if there would be an overhead door, to which Ms. Dederick noted would depend on how large the structure could be built. Member Heroux asked if this would be reviewed by the Planning Board and R. Reynolds clarified that it would need to have a building permit, but that it would not be reviewed by the Planning Board. Member Cotch asked if the neighbors were aware, and Ms. Dederick stated that she had talked to the neighbors about it. Member Cotch noted that the property looked well-kept. There being no further questions from the Board, Member Cotch made a motion to approve the area variances for 4’ on the side of the property and 39’ from the front of the property, which Member Heroux seconded and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Paul Heroux X Mary Shanks X CONSIDERATION OF SEQR AND A USE VARIANCE FOR 150 REMSEN STREET Vice Chairperson Baranski asked the applicant to come before the Board to explain the project. Mr. Daniel Sanders, the architect representing the buyers of the property, noted that the future owners would like to renovate the building which formerly hosted Hometown Pizza into a nail spa. He pointed out the finishes on the exterior, which includes paneling above the windows and a dark blue paint. He noted that they would like to get started on the project as soon as the reviews have been completed, and after building permits have been obtained. R. Reynolds noted that as this application is for a use variance, the project would be classified as an Unlisted Action under SEQR and therefore the Zoning Board of Appeals would be voting on declaring lead agency for SEQR review as there are no other agencies involved with the project. There being no questions, Member Heroux made a motion to declare lead agency for the SEQR review of the proposed project at 150 Remsen Street, which was seconded by Member Cotch and passed unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X  Paul Heroux X Mary Shanks X Adjournment There being no further business, Member Heroux made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 pm, which was seconded by Member Cotch and passed unanimously.