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, JANUARY 23, 2019 AT 6:30 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Michael Briggs, Chairperson Ms. Joyce Baranski, Vice Chairperson Mr. Mark Cotch Ms. Mary Shanks Mr. Paul Heroux MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Robyn Reynolds, Deputy Director of Economic Development & Planning CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 19, 2018 MEETING Chairperson Briggs called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm and asked for the Board to review and comment on the December 19, 2018 meeting minutes. There being no questions, Member Cotch made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, which Vice Chairperson Baranski seconded and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Paul Heroux X Mary Shanks X CONSIDERATION OF AN AREA VARIANCE FOR A SIGN AT 220 REMSEN STREET Chairperson Briggs read the proposal aloud and noted that the applicant was proposing an illuminated hanging sign anchored by two fixtures to support a new restaurant at the property. Chairperson Briggs stated the six points that needed consideration for an area variance and also noted that the restaurant would undergo site plan review at the upcoming Planning Board meeting. Mr. Don Russell and his business partner approached the Board. Mr. Russell noted that the building was once a doctor’s office and that the building was slated for demolition but that he saved it. Mr. Russell stated the building dated back to 1870 and that he has renovated the upstairs units in the building as 1-bedroom apartments. Mr. Russell noted that he planned on opening a 70-seat restaurant in the building with outside dining options. Mr. Russell pointed out that the sign would be approximately 9 feet tall and that it would not extend beyond the cornice on the building or the bottom crosshair. Mr. Russell further explained that it would extend roughly 10” – 12” from the building, and be no wider than 20” – 22” and would be a similar style to the Cohoes Music Hall sign. Mr. Russell noted he had talked to the neighbors and only heard support of the restaurant and sign. Chairperson Briggs pointed out this is a key corner in the City, and Mr. Russell noted that the building would be handicap accessible, and that this is a wider and larger building than most on the block. Mr. Russell stated that everything south of the building has essentially been leveled as a result of the fire which there are hopes to rebuild, but the sign and restaurant would have very little impact on the neighborhood. Mr. Russell noted that everyone around the block was aware of his plans and supportive. Member Heroux noted the sign and building looked nice. Mr. Russell noted he was slated to open the new restaurant in mid-to-late April. Member Cotch asked if the lights would be as bright as the lights for the sign at the Music Hall. Mr. Russell responded that the lights would not be as bright as he is taking his tenants into consideration. Chairperson Briggs asked if there were any further questions, and Member Baranski asked if this was a historic building. Mr. Russell noted it was not on the state registry, and that the building is in the Historic District. Member Baranski asked if the sign was going to stand out, and Mr. Russell noted that the sign would be very close to the picture provided and that the letters would either lay flat or would be slightly raised. Chairperson Briggs asked if any audience members would like to comment, and a neighbor at 229 Remsen Street noted that they are happy that Mr. Russell has been making improvements to the neighborhood and they are excited to see this move forward. Chairperson Briggs noted he supported the proposal, but did not want to set a precedent for future businesses on the street and that every application for a variance for signage would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Vice Chairperson Baranski raised the same concern and noted that she would rather this sign be a stand-out sign and not have other matching signs in the neighborhood. All questions having been answered, Member Heroux made a motion to approve the area variance for the hanging sign at 220 Remsen Street, which was seconded by Chairperson Briggs and the motion passed unanimously YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Paul Heroux X Mary Shanks X CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO AN AREA VARIANCE GRANTED AT 628 SARATOGA STREET R. Reynolds noted that there was an administrative error in the resolution for the variance that the Board processed for 628 Saratoga Street which did not fundamentally change the variance granted, but for due process wanted to bring it in front of the Board. Chairperson Briggs made a motion to amend the variance to correct the administrative error, which was seconded by Member Cotch and the motion passed unanimously. YES NO ABSTAIN Michael Briggs X Joyce Baranski X Mark Cotch X Paul Heroux X Mary Shanks X Adjournment There being no further business, Chairperson Briggs made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 pm, which was seconded by Member Cotch and passed unanimously.